Daniel Lubwama Kigozi, known as Navio, is a celebrated Ugandan rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is a founding member of the pioneering hip-hop group Klear Kut, credited with popularizing Ugandan rap and the term “Ugaflow.” Navio has carved out a successful solo career, releasing multiple albums and collaborating with prominent African artists, establishing himself as a leading force in East African hip-hop.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Daniel Lubwama Kigozi |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Kampala, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Partner | Mathilda Nassimbwa |
| Children | 4 |
| Occupations | Rapper, Record Producer |
| Record Labels | Navcorp Records |
| Net Worth | $6 million |
Early Life and Education
Navio was born on October 18, 1983, in Kampala, Uganda. He is the youngest of three children born to engineer Daniel Serwano Kigozi and physician Dr. Maggie Kigozi.
He attended Entebbe Church Nursery, St. Andrews in Kenya for primary education, Aga Khan Secondary School, and ISSA (International School of South Africa) for his secondary education. He later graduated from Monash University with a degree in International Relations and Media Studies.
From a young age, Navio was inspired by his elder brother’s collection of rap music, leading him to begin writing and recording music from around age 10.
Career
Navio’s music career began at age 16 when he co-founded the hip-hop group Klear Kut. The group’s debut album “Mind, Body and Soul” was a major success in Uganda and earned them nominations at the KORA Awards.
They released a second album, “K2,” and won the Pearl of Africa Music Award for Best Hip Hop Group.
Navio launched his solo career in 2009 with “Half the Legend,” followed by several albums like “African Hustler Music,” “Pride,” “The Chosen,” “Strength in Numbers,” “Vibes Out The East,” and “The Navio X Project.”
He was also part of the supergroup One8, collaborating with top African artists, and featured on Coke Studio Africa.
Personal Life
Navio is married to Mathilda Nassimbwa, with whom he has two sons. He also has two additional children from a previous relationship, making a total of four children.
He has publicly expressed his desire to expand his family further and supports young musicians in pursuit of their careers.
Navio Net Worth
Navio’s net worth is is estimated to be approximately $6 million USD. This figure reflects his long-standing music career, international collaborations, earnings from performances, endorsements, and business investments such as real estate projects like the Zuri Apartments in Uganda.
Discography
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| Half the Legend | 2009 |
| African Hustler Music | 2010 |
| Pride | 2013 |
| The Chosen | 2015 |
| Strength in Numbers | 2020 |
| Vibes Out The East | 2022 |
| The Navio X Project | 2024 |
Awards and Nominations
- KORA Awards nominations for Most Promising Newcomer and Revelation of the Year with Klear Kut (2002)
- Pearl of Africa Music Awards – Best Hip Hop Artist (solo career)
- Several nominations at Kenya’s Kisima Music Awards
- Participated in Coke Studio Africa as a featured artist
- Multiple nominations at HiPipo Music Awards and MTN UG Hip Hop Awards
