The Pulse Music Video Awards gala happened last night (Thursday) celebrating the best of the Kenyan music industry. This was the seventh edition of PMVAs.
The chief guest was Nadia Ahmed Abdul, the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs.
The gala night, held at the artistic Nairobi Street Kitchen, saw a gathering of industry stakeholders in a glitzy and pomp affair, which saw celebrated acts such as dancehall king Redsan and fresh stars The Luchi and Tesla Kenya entertain guests.
Both young and old, industry newbies and veterans walked down the red carpet as invited guests checked in for a night full of fun and surprises.
The event themed ‘Unmasking the Beat’ – after a Covid-19 pandemic-driven lull in the entertainment sector saw an impressive reaction from celebrities who showed up in large numbers.
The awards were created by the Standard Media Group, through Pulse magazine, the longest-running entertainment pullout, in 2015.
“The Pulse Music Video Awards is the only media house driven music awards ceremony in the region. It can only be likened to The Source – Hip Hop Awards in America," said Ochieng Rapuro, Editor-in-Chief, Standard Group PLC.
"We have been consistent not only in successfully making this an annual ceremony but also remaining true to honouring local talent through Pulse Magazine, Kenya’s pioneer weekly entertainment newspaper pullout that has led the industry conversation for almost 20 years now.
“Standard Group Plc is right on the driving seat in developing careers of creatives and fueling this growth through our converged business approach where digital comes first,” he said.
New school deejays. led by Unique sounds main man DJ Nick and Miles were on the decks for the night.
The glamour moment was not just for musicians but a showcase of the entire Kenyan industry with beauty queens, film and theatre personalities and other representatives from the arts industry in attendance.
As musicians and other acts were being honored what stood out was Redsan’s stellar grit over the last 25 years, which saw him win the coveted Pulse Music Video Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
Also referred to as PMVA Hall of Fame Award, the honorary award was the first ever of its kind. The award is meant to celebrate the exceptional achievement and contribution to the music industry.
His music and creativity has caught international attention as his performances illuminate world stages among the world’s greats.
The PMVAs gong has been awarded to atleast 70 winners over the past seven years. This year's turnout was high with quite a few names winning in different categories.
Nikita Kering, Brandy Maina, Okello Max, Iyanii and Wanavokali, despite all being fairly new in the industry, are giving established acts a run for their money.
Pombe' hitmaker’ Iyanii famed for his contemporary anthem for party-goers was the biggest winner of the night, taking home the ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ and ‘Viewers Choice’ awards.
