Top gospel singers skip Groove Awards

By Caroline Nyanga

Last Saturday, thousands of gospel music fans thronged Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Tsavo Ballroom, for the sixth annual Groove Awards ceremony.

Inside the expansive hall, fans danced as many more stood outside the door hoping to be let in. The Groove concert had sold out with organisers of the event closing the doors early to avoid a stampede.

Gospels music enthusiasts started arriving at the venue from as early 11am although the event was scheduled to start at 1pm.

Top gospel music singers Daddy Owen, Dunco, Kambua, Esther Wahome, Rufftone, Jimmy Gait, Juliani were also present.

But Emmy Kosgei, Ringtone, Eko Dydda and other renowned gospel artistes were conspicuously absent.

Incidentally, they had not been nominated for any award.

"They should not take it personally since this event is meant to celebrate gospel talent and not that of an individual," says Groove Award’s CEO Kevin Mulei, who describes the event as a great success.

During an earlier interview with The Standard On Saturday, Mulei and Groove Awards panel Chairman David Kuria, said the artistes did not meet the requirement for nomination. One such requirement was submission of a high quality production released within the last one year. The nominees were also expected to espouse strong Christian values since they are supposed to be role models and gospel ambassadors.

The show featured a good mix of new and old artistes. Deejays MO and Sadic kept fans on their feet by their enyicing blend of local and international gospel sounds.

By 2pm, the venue was overflowing with excited fans.

Bouncers had a rough time controlling the sometimes unruly fans who swayed back and fourth to the beats of their favourite artistes.

The well-lit state-of-the -art stage blended with high quality sound to set the right mood for the fete.

Unlike in previous events, emcees controlled the proceedings from behind the stage.

Various local artistes and sponsors were on hand to assist in giving out the awards.

The event featured a number of performances from gospel artistes.

There were wild cheers when Juliani took to the stage and performed some of his hit songs among them Hela Hela.

Backed up by Izoh, Rufftone and Jimmy Gait, Kanji Mbugua also gave an electrifying performance that left fans asking for more.

But the highlight of the afternoon was Daddy Owen with a show stopping performance of various hits, among them, System Ya Kapungala, Saluti, Kiriro and System Ya Coupe De Carle. There were also performances by Eunice Njeri, Aystar.

The man of the moment was undoubtedly Daddy Owen who bagged four awards courtesy of his new song, Saluti, featuring various local artistes.

He scooped Male Artiste of the Year, Video of the Year, and Collabo of the Year and Song of the Year Awards. Owen beat his closest competitor, Anastasia Mukabwa, known for Kiatu Kivue, which features Tanzania’s gospel queen Rose Muhando.

But some fans felt Anastasia deserved at least an award given the popularity of her songs and album.

Daddy Owen could not contain his excitement after being announced Song of The Year Award winner.

"This is not man’s work, give glory to God," he said.

Despite walking home empty handed for the second time in a row, Jimmy Gait believes he is a winner.

"I came to celebrate others win since my biggest win in 2009. I strongly believe I am a winner who will strive to do his best at his worst."

MOG described the event as well organised. "The fact that most gospel artistes were present during the event is a clear indication of unity," he said. Alice Kamande scooped Female Artiste of the Year Award, beating close challenger Anastasia Mukabwa. This however did not go down well with the crowd.

"We are all winners. I am humbled by what God can do," she said

Juliani won Hip Hop Song of the Year Award.

Groove Award CEO Kevin Mulei said he was relieved that everything had gone according to plan.

"When you pray hard to God and ask Him to make your event successful, He will never fail you," he said.