Winners of the Groove Awards

By Caroline Nyanga

Unlike last year’s Groove awards that were marred with controversy, this year’s event was a massive success. It was bigger and better awarding gospel musicians across East Africa for the first time.

By 1pm many fans had thronged Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) for the occasion amidst tight security. The glamorous event was graced with celebrities from all walks of life. They included Tru Blaq CEO Big Kev, Main Event’s Big Ted, comedian Eric Omondi, star anchor Jeff Koinange, Boomba Gal Dancers, Mombasa-based promoter Julia Achieng aka Beyonce, DJ Lenium, Churchill and Fakii Liwali among others.

Kambua

Hey Z

Fans present looked contented with the eventual winners cheering them on as they collected their respective awards. Things were running smoothly until a section of audience showed displeasure when Jimmy Gait won the Best Songwriter Of The Year award. But this only lasted for few minutes and before long things were back to normal. Groove Awards organiser Kevin Musau Mulei was a happy man that the show went smoothly without hiccups.

"We have done nothing different in terms of awarding artistes. The only thing we did was expand our base to include artistes from East Africa."

"I am particularly impressed with Jimmy Gait and Daddy Owen who were very aggressive in their campaigns in asking fans to vote for them this year."

Sponsor pulled out

He also mentioned that unlike last year where certain artistes were rewarded with flat-screen TV screens, this was impossible this year after one of the major sponsors pulled out.

And unlike in the past when he was accused of favouritism by losers, this year’s losers showed no sign of dissatisfaction.

The event presentation was also flawless. The hall spotted a large LCD projector at the back and nine other small ones at the side of the stage and in front of the crowd. The stage was well lit with multi-coloured lights. The sound system was also good and clear.

Unlike most local awards where two MCs run the proceedings there were more than 10 MCs. They included Churchill, Big Kev, DJ Lenium, Eric Omondi, Jeff Koinange, Yafesi and Pastor Juliani among others. The MCs clicked well and kept crowds entertained with rib-tickling jokes.

Great performances

There was also great performances from Rose Muhando, Emmy Kosgei, Daddy Owen, Neema, Kanjii and Kijiji Family, MOG, Juliani, Victor Mbuvi, Kambua, Jimmy Gait, Africa’s Children Choir and Ruth Wamuyu.

In the meantime, DJ Dee kept the crowd moving with gospel hits ranging in genre from ragga, hip-hop, zouk, Lingala and Kapuka.

Finally, the eagerly awaited awards ceremony begun.

The biggest winner of the night was Jimmy Gait who won the Song Of The Year, Songwriter Of The Year, and Cellulant Ringtone Of The Year. He beat artistes like Tanzania’s Rose Muhando, the late Angela Chibalonza, Daddy Owen, Juliani and Kanjii Mbugua.

"I thank God, my family and everyone out there who voted for me. I want you to know that when the favour of God comes upon you, no one can stop it because through Him everything is possible," he said.

Daddy Owen was another big winner scooping the Best Male Artiste Of The Year and Collabo Of The Year. He said he owed his gratitude to the almighty for seeing him sail through the tough times. He dedicated the award to his brother Rufftone.

Juliani won the Album Of The Year and Hip-Hop Song Of The Year. "I thank you all for your support. But most of all I thank God."

MOG won Group Of The Year and Reggae/Ragga Song Of The Year. "We want to thank everyone and equally acknowledge that all nominees are winners," said another group member.

Kanjii Mbugua got an award for Best Live Music Performer. An elated Kanjii said he is amazed at how far gospel music has come. "I’m pleased to be one of the people who God has used for this purpose," he said. He was glad that there were new faces in the gospel community and warned the secular world to brace themselves for bigger and stiffer competition from now on.

Dedicated to God

Marion Shako won in the category for Worship Song Of The Year. She thanked her fans, Pastor Lai and JCC Church, and producers before dedicating the award to God.

Rose Muhando emerged the Best Gospel Artiste, Tanzania. Overjoyed, she used the opportunity to sing verse of her popular hit song Yesu Nibebe.

Kambua scooped the Female Artiste Of The Year while Victor Mbuvi won in the category for Traditional Song Of The Year.

Other winners were Kenyan singers based in California Milele — for the Diaspora Artiste Of The Year. Isaac Blackman won in the category of Producer of the year beating R-Kay, Mike of Sakata Gittx, Bosire and Dr Eddy.

Newcomer Hey Z won an award for Best New Artiste while Soxxy emerged the favourite DJ. Igniters won the Dance Group Of The Year while God’s Image was Uganda’s Group Of The Year.

Video Of The Year went to Mozay and Mr Boo while TV show of the year was NTV’s Crossover. Njugush of Power Radio scooped an award for Best Radio Presenter. Best Radio show also went to Power Radio.

Jack Odongo won an award for outstanding contributor.