The Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFAs) Honorary Gala 2025 delivered a night where fashion, music and broadcast innovation came together seamlessly, with NRG and Play It Loud shaping both the energy in the room and the experience beyond it on 19th December 2025 at Kampala Serena Hotel.
The evening opened with an unexpected hosting twist that immediately set the tone. The awards were hosted by Azeezah Hashim from Play It Loud alongside Roy Ronald of UBL. The cross-border pairing brought a fresh, confident rhythm to the stage, blending continental event polish with an unexpected corporate twist, a surprise move that reflected the bold direction of the night.
The defining moment of the gala was the NRG Halftime Show, a first of its kind in Uganda. What began as a fashion awards ceremony was elevated into a full performance spectacle when Vinka took the stage. Backed by a tightly choreographed dance ensemble, she turned the room electric and transformed the runway into a concert moment. Her set was amplified by surprise appearances from collaborators Karole Kasita and Aaronx, lighting up the arena and keeping the audience on its feet.
Beyond the venue, Play It Loud extended the experience to a wider audience. The entire Honorary Gala was streamed live and free on PlayItLoud.com, allowing viewers across Uganda and beyond to experience the awards in real time. With seamless live coverage, backstage access and uninterrupted performances, Play It Loud turned the ASFAs into a shared digital cultural moment and reinforced its position as a platform built to amplify African talent.
Dance brought a global edge through a refined contemporary performance by Valentino and his partner Donlynn Fischer, delivering a polished, international-level routine that stood out for its precision and artistry. Award winner Elijah Kitaka, named Most Stylish Male Artist of the Year, followed with a performance met by loud applause, before the night closed on a high with Rwanda’s own Kevin Kade.
The gala also introduced Swedish-Ugandan rising star Tyra Chantey, whose set blended her original music with nostalgic old-school covers. She was later joined on stage by her musical uncle Navio, creating a standout generational moment. Rickman added to the momentum with a smooth mix of new releases and fan favourites, while Ugandan girl trio Warafiki opened the evening with a vibrant, feel-good performance that set the tone. Karole Kasita also put up an electric act.
From pioneering Uganda’s first-ever halftime show at a fashion awards ceremony to delivering a free, high-quality live broadcast through Play It Loud, the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards Honorary Gala marked a clear shift in how fashion and entertainment are staged and shared. These bold moves continue to affirm NRG Radio Uganda as the Brand of the Year, not just in recognition, but in real cultural impact.
