A night of faith and music: Best Emily’s debut gospel concert inspires Kampala
The show drew hundreds of attendees, including pastors, religious leaders, senior citizens, gospel enthusiasts, and fellow artists from Western Uganda such as Kate Mukiza and Lady Diana.
Best Emily performing at the concert. PHOTO: John Musoke
By Johnson Were
Journalists @New Vision
In a radiant fusion of faith and melody, Emily Ainobushoborozi, popularly known as Best Emily, held her debut gospel concert on Sunday evening at Serena Hotel, Kampala.
The show drew hundreds of attendees, including pastors, religious leaders, senior citizens, gospel enthusiasts, and fellow artists from Western Uganda such as Kate Mukiza and Lady Diana.
Her soft yet resonant voice filled Serena Victoria Hall as she delivered powerful renditions of Embeera Y’ensi, Torikwija Kufa, Yetuurize, Guma Hama, and cherished traditional hymns that evoked deep nostalgia among many from the Ankole region.
Revellers having fun at the concert
“This is a miracle,” Emily said tearfully. “When my parents, Godfrey and Monica Namanya, passed on, I kept telling myself I would be great. I am blessed. And now, look what the Lord has done.”
Former minister and senior citizen Miria Matembe led the audience in prayer, drawing a striking contrast with her recent experience at a comedy show. “There, everyone was drinking beer and whiskey. But tonight, there’s not a single drop of alcohol in this room. That shows there are still children of God. Look at this small girl, and yet she has gathered all of you. Can anyone still doubt the reality of God?”
Matembe emphasized Uganda’s spiritual foundation, citing its national motto For God and My Country. “The evil we witness—like the recent murder of a couple in Entebbe—is the result of abandoning our covenant. We must return to prayer and truth.”
Pastor Aloysius Bugingo, leader of House of Prayer Ministries, made a surprise appearance, praising gospel musicians for their role in spreading the word. “I came because I preach the gospel. It’s the same ministry,” he said. “We need more of this—more that lifts God’s name in truth.”
Revellers having fun at the concert
Throughout the evening, fans sang, worshipped, and danced to hymns embedded deep in Uganda’s Anglican traditions. One fan from Bushenyi, who traveled by bus with friends to attend, remarked, “Emily is not just a singer—she is a minister. When she sings, it’s not just music. We feel heaven respond.”
Despite it being her first performance on such a grand stage, Best Emily commanded the room with poise and authenticity. Between songs, she shared emotional reflections of her journey from orphanhood to divine purpose. “I thought I would never make it,” she said. “But I stayed in prayer and believed. Look at what God has done.” Her testimony earned thunderous applause.
Emily also shared her dream of establishing a home for young aspiring gospel singers—a space where they can be nurtured, mentored, and grounded in faith. “I want to give others the foundation I never had,” she said, urging well-wishers to support her vision.