Swangz Avenue's rising star Zafaran has finally confirmed what many fans have been speculating for a long time: she is in love with David Lutalo, one of Uganda's most popular and talented musicians.
Zafaran, whose real name is Josephine Nakyoonyi, made the bold confession during a radio interview on CBS fm's Emmanduso show. She said she could not hide her feelings for the Kwasa singer any longer.
I love him...I'm not going to deny,
she said with a smile.
There is no way of explaining it but I believe that he feels the same way.
Zafaran, who is known for her hit songs like Enafuya, Nkomyewo and Ndiwano, said she met Lutalo through their mutual friend and producer, Diggy Baur. She said Lutalo was very supportive and helpful to her as a young and upcoming artist.
He's an example to others, he's a nice guy and selfless and I feel that anyone would want to be around a person like that,
she said.
He guides me and supports me a lot; there is a lot that happens behind the curtains, that might not even be visible to you.
Zafaran also revealed that she and Lutalo have been working on a collaboration song, which she said will be released soon. She said the song is a love ballad that expresses their feelings for each other.
It's coming,
she said.
It's a beautiful song that we wrote together. I think our fans will love it.
Zafaran's admission comes after weeks of rumors and speculation about her relationship with Lutalo. The two have been spotted together on several occasions, including at Lutalo's recent preparations for his Babongote concert. Zafaran even appeared on Lutalo's press conference panel, where she praised him as a mentor and a friend.
However, not everyone is happy about Zafaran and Lutalo's romance. Some of Lutalo's fans have expressed their disappointment and jealousy on social media, saying that Zafaran is not worthy of him. They have also accused her of using him to boost her career and fame.
Zafaran, however, said she is not bothered by the negative comments and criticism. She said she is confident in herself and her music, and that she does not need anyone's approval to be happy.
I don't care what people say or think about me and David,
she said.
We are happy and that's all that matters. I'm not with him for fame or money, I'm with him for love. He makes me happy and I make him happy. That's all.
Zafaran also said she is grateful to Swangz Avenue, her record label, for giving her the opportunity and platform to showcase her talent. She said she is proud to be part of the Swangz family, which includes other successful artists like Winnie Nwagi, Vinka, Azawi and Zulanda.
I want to thank Swangz Avenue for believing in me and supporting me,
she said.
They are the best record label in Uganda and I'm honored to be part of them. They have helped me grow as an artist and a person.
Zafaran said she is looking forward to releasing more music and videos for her fans, and that she hopes to collaborate with more artists, both locally and internationally. She said she is inspired by other female artists like Sheebah, Rema, Spice Diana and Juliana Kanyomozi, who have made a mark in the Ugandan music industry.
I admire them a lot and I hope to work with them someday,
she said.
They are strong and talented women who have overcome many challenges and achieved their dreams. They are role models to me and many other girls.
Zafaran also had a message for her fans and supporters, who she said have been loyal and loving to her since she started her music career.
I want to thank them for always being there for me and appreciating my music,
she said.
They are the reason I do what I do. I love them so much and I promise to never let them down. I will always give them the best of me and my music.
Zafaran said she is excited about the future and what it holds for her and Lutalo. She said she is ready to face any challenges and opportunities that may come their way, as long as they have each other.
