Naira Ali is a Ugandan female afro-urban vocalist who sings for the soul and to inspire.
2:How best would you describe the kind of music you do?
I don’t limit myself and my music to a particular genre as I am blessed with a voice that can nearly execute any genre (aside from hip hop) so I simply describe my music as an afro-urban pop fusion.
3: Let’s talk about music, who do you consider as competition?
Honestly, I don’t see no competition. We all have different goals and dreams. However I respect and can pick a leaf or two from another artist. So each one of us can have their own separate/different seat on the same table.
4:Do you write your own music?
I can’t say I write for myself however, I co-write most of my songs.
I came to the US for so many reasons some of which are too personal to air out here. But most importantly to grow as a person. I don’t like to do the same thing for so long.
6: What’s your plan? Are you officially relocating to the USA or should we expect you back.
My plan is to grow into a big star. Much bigger than just Uganda and the process has already begun. Am in studio working harder than ever before.Expect me back home ofcourse that is home no matter what I will always come back home.
They say Charity begins at home. My music always starts in Uganda. I am already releasing music and still working on more music for all my fans around the worldI have already released Kalango, Good vibe, Your Body for my Ugandan audience and am still releasing more music in less then a month. Just watch the space
8: Ugandans are known for moving on. Don’t you think they are going to forget you?
I am currently working on my third Album. And I am super excited, I can’t wait for it to be done so you guys can hear it. Why would they forget me if i never left them. Hehehhe am still here. Trust me. Just watch the space. I may not be living in Uganda but that don’t mean my music won’t be either.
9:Anything productive you have learnt from US that you may want to share with Ugandan musicians?
I have learnt that time is money, don’t waste your time or anyone’s time. So i have learnt to properly keep time. I have learnt how to work, budget, save and a lot more musically and personally too.
As for Ugandan musicans I can only say that the sky is the limit. We are so talented. Uganda is home but there’s a lot more out here we can explore and use to our advantage, let’s not be restrained. Let’s get out of our shells and comfort zones. There’s a whole world out here open and ready to hear n embrace us as we are.
10: You recently said that Ugandan musicans are failing because of using alot of Luganda in their songs. Why did you say so?
I didn’t say they are failing, I said we need to be more relatable and not only focus on doing music for Ugandans. We have the potential to sing for the rest of the world. And too much luganda is just one of those things we over do. It’s not entirely using Luganda but even our sound is focused more on Uganda than the rest of the world yet we wanna be heard else where. I know music is a universal language but adding a lil english to our lyrics can go a long way.
11: How best would you advise the musicians to succeed on the global market basing on your argument?
Let’s get out of our Ugandan shell and explore what other people are doing. It’s not bad to learn and pick a leaf from others. There’s a lot we can do if we open our selves up for more learning and experiences.
12: Aside from the Ankara Festival, what other big stages should we expect you on. And what big festives have you headlined so far.
The Ankara festival is the start of something huge and am honestly honoured and excited and I can assure you that there’s a lot more in stock and in time I will be letting you in on them as well. But for now am not telling you might jinx hihihi
13:What lessons have you learnt from Covid 19?
I have learnt that you always need a plan B and always have to plan ahead. I have learnt that things can change anytime so I have to be prepared.
14: Should we expect collabs from big names in the USA
Definetly. I will keep you posted on that as well in time.
15: Have you worked with anyone in the USA that has anyone opened your eyes.
I have worked with Kanin an american rapper on our Black is beautiful track. Its out in all music stores. And am currently working with more artists I will be filling you in on as soon as its all ready.
16:Aside from music, are you venturing in any other business. What could that be?
Am definitely venturing in more businesses and also back in school but that will be a subject for another day.