Papa Wemba to rock music awards gala

By Stevens Muendo

Congolese soukous star Papa Wemba jets into the country this week for the inaugural East Africa Music Awards (EAMAs) ceremony slated for Saturday.

The awards ceremony, touted to be one of the greatest African showbiz bonanza featuring eight countries, will feature celebrated singers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi and Southern Sudan. Juliana, Maurice Kirya (both from Uganda), AY (Tanzania) Achieng’ Abura, Avril and Marya, Kidum and Just Family are among the 30 artistes lined up for performance.

It will be an elaborate red carpet affair which will be transmitted live in five countries. MondayBlues can confirm that dignitaries from all over Africa, government officials and top CEOs are in the list of the over 1,000 guests. It is an invites only glamorous ceremony. The winners will be unveiled to the media on Thursday.

Papa Wemba has been nominated alongside Kenya’s Ken Wa Maria, Christian Bela from Tanzania and his countryman Fally Ipupa in the Best Male Rumba category. Werason, JB Mpiana (from Democratic Republic of Congo), Msondo Ngoma (Tanzania) and Just Family (Rwanda) who have also been nominated, are expected to attend. Others expected include Nhaitty Man (Ethiopia), Lady Jaydee (Tanzania), Cedric Bangy (Burundi) and Radio and Weasel (Uganda).

The gala, which will be held at the Bomas of Kenya, will see nominated Kenyan artistes face other regional giants. Jaguar’s Kigeugeu has been nominated in the Best Male Urban category alongside Bebe Cool’s Minzani (Uganda), Dr Claude’s Baramu Gyanye (Rwanda) and Nhaitty Man’s Nefs (Ethiopia). Wahu will also battle it out with Lady Jaydee, Juliani and Liza Kamikazi.

The other Kenyan nominees include P-Unit, Wyre, Marya, Avril, Alice Kamande, BMF, Emmy Kosgei, Victor Mbuvi, Winyo, Mutinda, Achieng’ Abura, Chumba, Sauti Sol and Masha Mapenzi.