Asha Naava Zziwa, better known as Naava Grey, is one of Uganda’s most beloved musicians. Born on March 18, 1987, in Kampala, she has carved a unique path in East African music with her soulful voice and ability to blend R&B, Soul, and Afro sounds. She sings in multiple languages, Zulu, English, Luganda, and Nigerian languages, creating music that feels both local and universal.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Asha Naava Zziwa |
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Kampala District, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Province of Origin | Buganda (Kampala) |
| Partner | Henry Mzili (divorced) |
| Children | Acte Joyce (1 daughter) |
| Occupations | Musician, Songwriter, Businesswoman |
| Labels | Fenon Records, Sony Music Entertainment Africa, Rockstar 4000 Music Entertainment |
| Net Worth | $150,000 – $250,000 (estimated) |
Early Life and Education
Naava was born in Kampala to the late Prince Mulondo and late Princess Tracy Ndagire. Her maternal grandfather was half Irish and half Muganda, giving her a mixed heritage. She’s the last born of five children. Her father was an artist and businessman who loved drawing and painting.
She attended Buganda Road Primary School, Kibuli Secondary School (one year), Braeburn High School, and later Makerere University where she studied Information Technology. Music wasn’t easy early on, she feared singing before audiences because her sister would criticize her songs.
Career
Naava’s music journey began in 2008 at Tusker Project Fame Season 2, where she finished as a top 10 semifinalist. Through the competition, she met producer Steve Jean (via GNL Zamba), who introduced her to Michael Fingers. She signed with Fenon Records that same year.
Her debut singles “Aliba Wani” and “Nteredde” came out in 2011. In 2013, she signed with Sony Music Entertainment Africa and Rockstar 4000 Music Entertainment. She released her first 20-track album “Naava Grey: The Album” in 2015, followed by “Naava Grey EP” (20 tracks) in 2022 with collaborators like Speedy, M.I, and GNL Zamba.
Her biggest milestone came on Valentine’s Day 2025, when she held her maiden sold-out concert at Kampala Serena Hotel.
Personal Life
Naava is a divorced mother. She married Henry Mzili and later parted ways with him. She gave birth to her daughter Acte Joyce at 18 years old.
Outside music, she owns a farm in Jinja where she rears goats and chickens, and she’s passionate about fashion design and Bollywood movies. She’s admitted she fears being alone and being surrounded by strangers, vulnerable admissions that make her more human.
Net Worth
Naava Grey’s estimated net worth is between $150,000 and $250,000 (approximately UGX 550 million to UGX 920 million). This estimate comes from her music career spanning over 15 years, sold-out concerts, album sales, brand partnerships, and her business ventures including her Jinja farm.
Discography
Singles:
- Ninga Omuloge
- Aliba Waani
- Nkwetaga
- Nteredde
- Kangume
- Twala
- Nja Kwagala
- Nvuuma
- Sokalami (with Speedy)
- Owuwo (with Kenneth Mugabi)
- Make a Wish (with GNL Zamba)
- Aliwa (with Bruno K)
Albums:
- Naava Grey: The Album (2015)
- Naava Grey EP (2022)
Awards and Nominations
| Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 HiPipo Music Awards | Best R&B Song (“Alib’omu”) | Won |
| 2016 HiPipo Music Awards | Best Song Writer | Nominated |
| 2016 HiPipo Music Awards | Album of the Year | Nominated |
| CMVA | Special Effects (“Ninga Omuloge”) | Won |
| CMVA | Video of the Year (“Nteredde”) | Won |
| CMVA | New Comer | Nominated |
| BEFFTA Awards | Best International Act | Nominated |
| HiPipo Awards | Best RnB/Soul Song (“Ndi Ndi Ndi”) | Won |
