The Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFA) Honorary Gala 2025 unfolded as more than a celebration of fashion, delivering an evening where music, performance and broadcast innovation were seamlessly woven into the awards experience. Powered by NRG Radio Uganda and Play It Loud, the gala marked a defining moment in the evolution of fashion-led events in the country.
The tone of the night was set early with an unconventional hosting arrangement that immediately captured attention. The ceremony was co-hosted by Azeezah Hashim of Play It Loud and Roy Ronald of UBL, a pairing that blended continental media flair with a polished corporate presence. The cross-border collaboration brought a confident and contemporary rhythm to the stage, reflecting the gala’s bold and forward-looking direction.
A defining highlight of the evening was the NRG Halftime Show, a first-of-its-kind feature at a fashion awards ceremony in Uganda. What began as a runway-focused event was momentarily transformed into a full-scale performance spectacle when Vinka took to the stage. Backed by a high-energy dance ensemble, she turned the runway into a concert arena, drawing sustained excitement from the audience.
Her performance was further elevated by surprise appearances from Karole Kasita and Aaronx, whose entrances sparked heightened energy in the room and kept guests on their feet. The halftime show not only bridged fashion and music but also introduced a new production standard for award ceremonies in the country.
Beyond the physical venue, Play It Loud significantly expanded the gala’s reach through a free live broadcast on PlayItLoud.com. Audiences across Uganda and beyond were able to follow the event in real time, with uninterrupted coverage that included backstage moments and full performances. The seamless digital execution transformed the gala into a shared cultural experience and reinforced Play It Loud’s role as a platform dedicated to amplifying African talent through accessible broadcast innovation.
Dance also played a prominent role in shaping the evening’s artistic diversity. A contemporary performance by Valentino and Donlynn Fischer stood out for its technical precision and international-level polish, adding a global edge to the programme. Award winner Elijah Kitaka, named Most Stylish Male Artist of the Year, followed with a performance that was met with enthusiastic applause.
The night’s musical journey continued with performances by Kevin Kade from Rwanda, who closed the ceremony on a high note, and Tyra Chantey, a rising Swedish-Ugandan artist making her debut appearance at the awards. Tyra’s set blended original music with nostalgic classics, before she was joined on stage by her uncle, veteran artist Navio, creating a memorable generational moment.
Additional performances by Rickman, who delivered a smooth mix of new material and fan favourites, and Warafiki, the Ugandan girl trio whose vibrant opening performance set a positive tone for the evening, further underscored the gala’s inclusive and celebratory atmosphere. Karole Kasita also returned with a separate electrifying performance that sustained the night’s momentum.
From introducing Uganda’s first-ever halftime show at a fashion awards ceremony to delivering a high-quality, free live broadcast accessible to all, the ASFA Honorary Gala 2025 signalled a clear shift in how fashion events are curated and consumed. These innovations continue to affirm NRG Radio Uganda’s standing as Brand of the Year, not merely through accolades, but through tangible cultural influence.
