Showbizuganda

Tag: Play It Loud

  • From Raw Talent to Industry-Ready: Play It Loud set to invest in training Uganda’s Creative Future

    From Raw Talent to Industry-Ready: Play It Loud set to invest in training Uganda’s Creative Future

    As Uganda’s creative industry continues to grow, one challenge has remained consistent — the gap between raw talent and industry-ready professionals.

    Leading production and live events company Play It Loud has announced the launch of its Creative Trainee Programme 2026, an initiative designed to discover, train, and empower the next generation of creative professionals.

    The programme targets aspiring directors, directors of photography (DOPs), set designers, data managers, and sound and lighting technicians, offering them hands-on experience in real-world productions including live events, studio shows, and live streams.

    According to Play It Loud, the idea for the programme was born out of experience.“When we started producing at scale, we realised something was missing,” says Shafik Nekambuza, part of the Play It Loud management team. “We have incredibly creative young people in Uganda, but many are untrained, undiscovered, or lack structured exposure to professional production environments.”

    Rather than import talent or work around the gap, Play It Loud chose to invest directly in the community. The Creative Management Trainee Programme is positioned as both a skills-transfer initiative and a long-term industry investment. Trainees will learn from experienced local professionals as well as industry experts from across Africa, who will be flying in to mentor and train participants during the programme.

    Beyond technical skills, the programme focuses on professional discipline, teamwork, creative management, and understanding the realities of working in high-pressure production environments.

    Shafik explains. “It’s also about sustainability. Some of the trainees will grow into long-term careers with Play It Loud, while others will go on to build their own careers and in turn train others. That’s how an industry grows.”

    Play It Loud says the initiative also creates a safe and structured platform for young creatives to express themselves, refine their craft, and gain confidence in a competitive industry that often lacks formal entry points.

    Applicants are required to submit links to work they have already done to production@playitloud.com, reinforcing the programme’s focus on passion, initiative, and real creative effort rather than academic qualifications alone.

    The programme runs for a minimum of three months, with only shortlisted applicants contacted. Applications close on 25th January 2026.

  • Photos: Glitz, glamour & Pomp as ASFAs returns for 2025 Honorary Gala edition

    Photos: Glitz, glamour & Pomp as ASFAs returns for 2025 Honorary Gala edition

    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.

     

  • Why You Should Not Miss Bad Black’s Kukyala live on Play It Loud

    Why You Should Not Miss Bad Black’s Kukyala live on Play It Loud

    Uganda’s entertainment scene is about to witness a groundbreaking moment as Play It Loud exclusively streams Bad Black’s Kukyala on Sunday, 28th December. For just UGX 5,000, fans can tune in to a cultural ceremony that blends tradition, emotion, and celebrity in a way never seen before.

    The Kukyala, a cherished pre-introduction ceremony in Ugandan culture, marks a major milestone in Bad Black’s personal journey. It’s more than a ritual—it’s her official introduction to family and friends, setting the stage for her next chapter.

    Adding depth and authenticity to the event is Meddie Ssentongo, Bad Black’s long-time friend, who will take on the role of Muko.

    Their enduring friendship transforms this Kukyala from a mere cultural formality into an emotional, personal celebration. For fans who have followed their story over the years, this moment is bound to resonate deeply.

    Bad Black remains one of Uganda’s most talked-about personalities. This Kukyala offers fans a rare glimpse into her cultural and family life. With Slim Daddy also known as Asha as Muko, the ceremony carries a heartfelt authenticity that goes beyond spectacle.

    For the first time, a Kukyala of this scale will be streamed live, making it accessible to audiences who cannot attend physically.

    Bad Black has also talked about her legalising her marriage but has also explained that it doesn’t stop her from seeing other men or her husband seeing other women if they are offering money.

  • Mami Deb and Prim Asiimwe set to change how fashion is talked about on the screen

    Mami Deb and Prim Asiimwe set to change how fashion is talked about on the screen

    All eyes are waiting for the official launch of Fashion X, a bold new fashion critique and culture show premiering on ‘Play It Loud’ this Friday. And there’s no better runway for its debut than the biggest red carpet in the country. As you step into the ASFAs red carpet, show up ready to be seen, judged, celebrated and talked about. Fashion X is watching with the two fashionistas Prim Asiimwe and Mami Deb on the ‘fashion wheels’ to drive you throughout the evening.

    Mami Deb

    The Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards Honorary Gala happens this Friday, 19th December, at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The night brings together style, music and culture at the highest level. For the first time ever, NRG presents the NRG Half Time Show, headlined by Vinka. Also taking the stage are Elijah Kitaka, Karole Kasita, Tyra Chantey, Kevin Kade from Rwanda, with dance performances by Valentino and sounds by DJ Vee and DJ Harold.

    Prim Asiimwe

    This is not just an awards night. It’s fashion history in the making. The red carpet is live, the cameras are ready, and Fashion X is officially open for business.

    Tickets are on sale at quicket.co.ug for 250,000 UGX. Tables are available at 5,000,000 UGX.

    Dress like it matters. Walk like it’s yours. ASFAs is calling.

  • The Creator Signings Shaking Up Uganda’s Digital Space Ahead of December 10th Launch

    The Creator Signings Shaking Up Uganda’s Digital Space Ahead of December 10th Launch

    A major shift is happening in Uganda’s digital content industry — and all eyes are on Play It Loud, the new creator‑first streaming platform officially launching on 10th December.

    Over the past few weeks, the platform has quietly signed a wave of top Ugandan creators, sparking industry-wide excitement and speculation. Social media teasers, behind‑the‑scenes clips, and creator hints have made one thing clear: something big is coming.

    The speed of signings have raised one big question across the entertainment scene.

    From comedians and influencers to actors, media personalities, and lifestyle brands, the platform is attracting serious names. Those already teased online include:

    Nilzero Katrina, Bad Black, Mami Deb, Tindi, Natasha Sinayobye, Prim Asiimwe, Anne Kansiime, Azeezah, Evelyn Mic, Pablo, Troy Kente, Faisal, Kingsley, Marijan, Patra, Abryans, Kato Katende, Akelly, Ken Katuramu, Ken Kayongo, DJ Vee, Keith Malembe, Diana Kahunde, Eyo Mackus, Stella Nantumbwe, Alex Muhangi of Comedy Store, Zari, Navio — and more yet to be revealed.

    This growing list signals a major shift: creators are no longer waiting for brand deals or traditional media to define their success. They’re moving toward platform ownership, monetisation at scale, and building long-term intellectual property.

    Play It Loud isn’t positioning itself as just another streaming platform. It’s presenting itself as the foundation of a new African creative economy — one where creators are partners, not just contributors.

    According to Shafik Nekambuza, Commercial & Strategy Lead at Play It Loud, it is going to help African storytellers produce great content.

    “We didn’t just build a streaming platform, we built an economic engine for creators. Play It Loud is a creator-first platform designed to help African storytellers produce great content, build bankable intellectual property, and connect their stories to the rest of the world. For the first time, creators are not just contributors — they are partners in the ecosystem.”

    This vision is resonating across the continent. The platform’s early momentum suggests Uganda is positioning itself as a future content powerhouse for Africa.

    Nilzero Katrina

    The rise of Play It Loud comes at a time when African creators are demanding better tools, better monetisation, and better access to global audiences.