The Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFAs) Honorary Gala 2025 unfolded as more than a celebration of style as it became a landmark cultural moment where fashion, music and broadcast innovation converged seamlessly.
Powered by NRG and Play It Loud, the night redefined what a fashion awards ceremony in Uganda can be, both inside the room and far beyond it.
The evening opened with a bold and unexpected hosting duo: Azeezah Hashim of Play It Loud alongside Roy Ronald of UBL. The cross-border pairing brought an assured, modern rhythm to the stage, blending continental event finesse with a surprising corporate edge. It was a confident statement that set the tone for a night unafraid to challenge tradition.
The defining highlight came with the NRG Halftime Show, a first-of-its-kind moment for Uganda’s fashion awards. What began as a runway celebration exploded into a full-scale performance spectacle when Vinka took over the stage.
Backed by a sharp, high-energy dance crew, she transformed the venue into a concert arena. Surprise appearances by Karole Kasita and Aaronx pushed the excitement even higher, keeping the audience on its feet and cementing the halftime show as one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Beyond the venue walls, Play It Loud extended the experience to a global audience. The entire Honorary Gala was streamed live and free on PlayItLoud.com, allowing viewers across Uganda and beyond to engage with the event in real time. With seamless live coverage, backstage access and uninterrupted performances, the platform turned ASFAs 2025 into a shared digital cultural moment—reinforcing Play It Loud’s growing influence as a home for amplified African talent.
Dance added an international edge through a refined contemporary performance by Valentino and his partner Donlynn Fischer, whose precision and artistry stood out on the night. Award winner Elijah Kitaka, crowned Most Stylish Male Artist of the Year, followed with a warmly received performance, before Rwanda’s Kevin Kade closed the show on a high.
The gala also introduced Swedish-Ugandan rising star Tyra Chantey, whose set blended original music with nostalgic old-school covers. Her performance became even more special when she was joined on stage by her musical uncle, Navio creating a memorable generational crossover moment.
Rickman kept the momentum alive with a smooth mix of new releases and fan favourites, while Warafiki, the Ugandan girl trio, opened the evening with a vibrant, feel-good performance that set the pace.
Karole Kasita rounded off the night with yet another electric and commanding act.
