My Sony deal is still on – Naava Grey

Starlet: There are categories in the Ugandan music industry. The super talented, the fairly talented and those who are not talented at all. Grey Naava falls in the first category and because of that, Sony Music Africa signed her years back and until now, her deal with the South African based label is still on, as she tells Isaac Ssejjombwe.

It’s been a while since we last heard something new from you. What have you been up to?
Been quietly working on very big projects that I cannot reveal to you for now and besides music, I have been trying to build my charity, Time to Live foundation.

Vinka is the latest artiste to be signed by Sony, the same label that signed you some years ago. Having been there, do you believe international labels like Sony contribute anything to an artiste’s career? And what happened to your deal with them?
My Sony deal is still ongoing and it’s more about publishing and distribution. I’ve partnered with Sony too when it comes to writing songs for artistes under the label. Oh yes. I believe they can if one is focused on what exactly they want to achieve.

Do you believe in talent searches?
I do believe in talent searches. They are so many undiscovered talented souls out there that need recognition. You have quite some discipline on the scene. You are never in scandals. What is your secret to this and where do you perform from?
I thank God for surviving that long without scandals and not that I blame those that I have faced them for none is perfect. I perform at some events as well just that the media chooses to think otherwise.

There are two family members running the show in Uganda today. Fresh Kid and Fresh Daddy. What is your take on them?
Fresh Kid and Fresh Daddy! I guess it’s their destiny I can’t comment much on that.
What is your secret to success?
The secret to a successful career are the three P’s, prayer, passion and perseverance.

You are slated to perform this Saturday at the Johnnie Walker Highball event. What should your fans expect?
The Fezah experience is going to be more of an up-close and personal one. A one-on-one with my closest fans. We’ll be taking them through my musical journey and of course not forgetting the fun moments I’ve experienced as an artiste and songwriter/co-producer.

With this done, should we expect a concert or listeners’ party?
Concerts/listening parties all in due time, will most definitely be expected.

What is your take on Uganda’s music industry?
Uganda is blessed with so much talent. The sky is not the limit as long we don’t lose our authenticity.

Future prospects?
Big projects ahead. More is yet to come unseen and unheard of. The future is me.