Navio reveals reasons for limited international collaborations

Navio has opened up on why he has not had many high-profile international collaborations despite his access and capacity to do so.

Over the years, Navio has been one of the few Ugandan artists to make a mark on the international scene, interacting and networking with foreign stars. However, he says he has been cautious when it comes to putting out big collaborations.

Speaking about a potential project with American rapper Rick Ross, Navio revealed that the Maybach Music boss had personally reached out to him.

About Rick Ross, he WhatsApped me actually. They called me and asked if they can be part of my Orchestra concert and we have a project with him.

But I couldn’t put the audio out before I could successfully say I’m doing a concert. Imagine I say I’m doing a show and Rick Ross is a part of it and it doesn’t happen. I prefer when the bird has hatched.

Navio noted that when he first rose to fame, he was winning most of the awards in Uganda, but his efforts were not widely appreciated until other artists later won similar accolades.

I also know that you have your time to shine. The same way people are now performing at the biggest festivals in the world and making major moves, think of the top ten of my time… I did them. I was there for my humble Uganda.

Navio added that while he and his peers laid important foundations for Ugandan music on the international stage, much of their work often goes unnoticed.

Still, he accepts that the industry should remain a “young men’s game”, giving room for new talent to rise and shine.