By Martha Ayedo
The Villa Kampala came alive over the weekend on Saturday as Next Radio, Uganda’s first audio-visual radio station, celebrated seven years of broadcasting excellence with a grand all-day event dubbed "The Big Party."
The milestone brought together Next Radio presenters, the wider Next Media team, loyal listeners, partners, and members of the public for a full day of music, creativity, and shared memories.
Broadcasting Live from The Villa
In true Next Radio fashion, the shows were broadcast live from The Villa, turning the venue into a 360-degree broadcast hub where fans could experience their favourite presenters and shows in real time.
The celebrations opened with the Morning Switch, hosted by Uncle Mark, Victoria Sibiya, and Uncle Mark, in the studio setting an energetic tone for the day.
Mid-morning rolled into The Brunch with Viana Indi and Kash Pro, featuring a soulful performance by Elijah Kitaka at the Villa. This was followed by The Chillout session led by MC Casmir, Olga, and DJ Alur, bringing easy vibes to The Villa’s sun-soaked lawns.
In the afternoon, Peterson and Timothy Code hosted Tranzit, joined by celebrity guests Beewol and Allan Toniks. At the same time, the After 5 team, Douglas Lwanga, Viana Indi, Roja, DJ Mercy Pro, and Kats filmed their show live on location. Their crossover bridged radio, TV, and digital audiences seamlessly.
As night fell, Ronnie McVex and Canary Mugume helmed the Interlude segment, ushering in live performances from the Maestro Band. The evening culminated in the symbolic cake-cutting ceremony marking seven years of Next Radio’s journey.
A Star-Studded Line-Up
The entertainment roster was headlined byKenneth Mugabi, Dax Vibez, Elijah Kitaka, Feffe Bussi, and the unstoppable DJ duo Slick Stuart & Roja, who turned up the heat late into the night.
The celebration also drew several distinguished guests, including Kin Kariisa, Next Media Group CEO; Ron Kawamara, Ugandan business executive, entrepreneur, impact investor, and philanthropist; and Richard Sserumpanise, CEO of TimeCop Security Ltd, among others. Their attendance underscored the station’s strong ties across Uganda’s business and media communities.
Partnerships and Support
The success of Next Radio at 7 was powered by partnerships with Tasty Goldy, Emirates Grills, BLACK, and a special honourable mention to The Villa Kampala, whose hospitality and ambience set the perfect stage for the celebration.
The Next Media team, across NBS Television, Sanyuka TV, and Next Radio via AfroMobile, ensured full coverage, amplifying the celebration to fans beyond the venue. The general public played an equally vital role, showing up in large numbers to support their favourite radio brand.
Seven Years Strong
From its trailblazing launch as Uganda’s first audio-visual radio to its steady growth into a multimedia powerhouse, Next Radio’s seven-year journey stands as a testament to creativity, connection, and community.
As the final tracks faded and the lights dimmed, one thing was undeniable: Next Radio isn’t just seven years old; it’s seven years strong, and the vibes are only getting bigger.