Phina Masanyalaze Returns to Original Sound With ‘Funya’

Ugandan singer Phina Masanyalaze. Photo/Galaxy FM

By Kinyua Mwangi

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Ugandan dancehall queen Phina Masanyalaze has released a new song “Funya”.

The new track brings back the beloved danceable beats, accompanied by Phina's encouragement to "Kufunya" worries away and just dance.

It captures the irresistible pull to move to the rhythm, even in the face of demands for attention or money, likening it to a banana's allure that even the most rigid of spines can't resist.

For those nostalgic for Phina’s original sound from the mid-2000s, "Funya" rekindles that same vibrant Ugandan Shakira-esque energy.

Although "FUNYA" signals a return to Phina's distinctive style, she stresses that it's not a permanent departure from her usual repertoire.

Produced by Davie, Phina used this song to restate her position in the Ugandan music industry.

"I realized no one was doing it better than I can. So I had to prove it musically. As a dance maestro, you'll definitely feel my moves in 'Funya.'"

She credits the inspiration behind the song to Uganda Musicians Association (UMA) where she had an executive role. UMA made her realize that music is also a tool for social change besides entertainment.

Phina intends to utilize her music as a platform to tackle diverse societal concerns. She has a lot of songs on human rights and gender empowerment. She believes that this is a powerful step that will promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).