Kenya’s crème de la crème of the music scene scooped prestigious accolades as the who’s who in the industry, from different generations, graced the inaugural Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) gala awards, last Saturday, writes Geoffrey Korio
The best in the music industry graced the exclusive dinner ceremony with classy attire. It was a black-tie event after-all and whenever you put celebs, there’s always that inherent need for one to stand out.
With the cool ambiance, crisp lighting, and superb sound wafting throughout the Laico Regency, the event got underway shortly after 8pm.
Old and new in harmony
The gala awards ceremony christened The Old and New — in Harmony took into consideration the transition of music across generations whilst still appreciating the message disseminated in the songs. Case in point was the recognition of the different music genres from the 1970s to the 2000s.
The objectives of the ceremony included acknowledging and appreciating key stakeholders and celebrating MCSK’s achievements gained over the years. Media personalities who have made immense contribution in the growth of the music industry were also recognised.
Scintillating performances
Hilarious comedian Jalang’o kicked off the event with his wicked katumbo dance and witty jokes. The emcees for the evening, Angela Angwenyi and Didge, ensured the show flowed smoothly as they too, had several captivating performances of their own.
To cap it all, top artistes took centre stage and gave magnificent performances; from the FBI dance group to P-Unit, Daddy Owen, Wahu, Nameless, Habida, Redsan, Bamboo, Nonini, Victor Mbuvi, Esther Wahome, and Marion Shako, among others.
The awards
The Partners’ Award kick-started the awarding at the ceremony. This was MCSK’s appreciation to the individuals, companies and government agencies for their continued support and efforts of promoting local music and towards curbing piracy. Those honoured for this award were the Kenya Police fraternity, Liberty Afrika Technologies, Digital Linkage, Media Owners Association and Standard Group’s Editor Stevens Muendo among others. Royal Media Services, Liberty Afrika Technologies and Mobile Sawa were among the recognised firms for the top payers local content accolades in the broadcast media.
Top earners recognised
MCSK took this opportune moment to recognise and honour individual artistes for their toil and efforts in composing, producing and playing music. The MCSK Chief Executive Officer, Maurice Okoth, was at hand to award the accolades to the top earners across various media. With over ten artistes receiving awards from different media houses, top plaudits went to Hubert Nakitare aka Nonini for the artiste featuring in most playlists across all media houses. It was a special standing ovation moment as the talented artiste received the prestigious award.
Legends Recognised
The ceremony recognised and honoured Kenya’s music legends among them the late Kakai Kilonzo, Queen Jane, DO Misiani, Jacob Luseno, Kipchamba Tabotuk, Habel Kifoto, Daudi Kabaka and teen sensation Issah Mmari (E-Sir).
As if on cue to atone for the preceding wrong, the host ushered in the next category
“In life, we often remember and recognise great people when it’s too late,” intoned Angela, as she ushered the category in recognition of the living legends, a category that recognised a few of the artistes who have made life beautiful for generations upon generations; and these were: Joseph Kamaru, Mary Atieno and Betty Tett.
