Gospel's got groove

The nominees' list may have been greeted with some holily murmured disquiet but this did not dampen the awards gala, write DAVID ODONGO and STEVENS MUENDO

Two weeks ago, KICC Grounds was the modern day ‘Sodom and Gomorrah’. It hosted the Swaggerific Concert and unprintable sins took place. Merely five days later, the venue, turned into holy grounds hosting the Sixth Groove Gospel Music Awards. Such is the dynamism in today’s world. With the Nairobi streets drab and empty, and a slow lazy wind reluctantly sweeping the streets, Groove Awards fans inside KICC clearly needed a touch of celeb glamour at the red carpet.

And luckily they got it in the form of King of Kapungala, Daddy Owen who arrived looking dapper in a smart grey tuxedo. The star arrived on the red carpet of the awards ceremony; sending photographers into frenzy in a day that would turn out to be one of the finest. But, it was the ladies that drew the most attention as they dazzled and sparkled their way up the red carpet in elegant designs.

Alice Kamande was standing out for her old school style as she hit the red carpet. The winner for the coveted Female Artiste of the Year, looked immaculate in an ankle-length grey gown with a golden sash mid waist, wearing her hair up in a flowing over shoulder do. With a pair of round large earrings, and a chunky necklace, the star looked ultra fashionable.

Coast-based singer Marion Shako arrived wearing a red flowing dress. Her off the shoulder single strap gown that bared her shoulders was a perfect way to make a bold fashion statement without crossing the divine line.

Pleasant surprises

The awards ceremony was also full of surprises.

The sense of expectancy among nominees seated at the VIP section was no less than the heart throbbing curiosity of the gazing crowd as KICC got engulfed in a tomb silence when the hour of reckoning approached.

Alemba and Sadic led the count down, scooping the Reggae Song of the Year award for their hit Praise Him. Then there was an awestruck Paul Mwai who could not believe his ears after his song I am in the Race was named the Worship Song of the Year.

"I thank everyone who supported me. I want to stay true and finish the race," he said amidst ululations from the audiences.

After his sensational acceptance speech, he went back to his seat and knelt down in a tearful thanksgiving prayer which lasted three minutes. And little did he know that more good tidings would befall him with the coveted Album of the Year accolade.

However, discontentment swept through the hall after little known John Mbaka was announced the Eastern Artiste of the Year for his song Mivango ya Amaitha. Many expected the award to go to Victor Mbuvi for his new Kwata Kawaya hit which has made him a household name throughout the country. Things got more startling when another little known nominee Syombua Mwele won the Radio Presenter of the Year category followed by Marvellous who was equally shocked after winning the New Artiste of the Year category, thanks to his comic laced Marvellous song featuring Kaby.

With Juliani’s Hello winning the Hip-hop Song of the Year category, the stage was set for the great combat in the coveted Male Artiste of the Year, Song and Video of the Year awards which Daddy Owen sensationally swept to the agony of his rivals. And making no apology for it, his song Saluti (featuring friends) went ahead to win the Collabo of the Year award. He, however, went ahead to give away the Best Male Artiste award to Juliani whom he described as a great star.

"Juliani deserves this award and I will give it to him," shouted the MAMA Award-winner. Attired in a charcoal grey military jacket and jeans, a look that fully complimented his looks and his hip-hop persona, Juliani came on stage to accept Daddy Owen’s award.

"Owen has been my mentor, not just for me but a lot of other artistes," said Juliani, heaping praises on Daddy Owen as the crowd cheered.

The next biggest award, Female Artiste of the Year, was a crowded field of six fine artistes namely Alice Kamande, Anastasia Mukabwa, Betty Bayo, Hellenah Ken, Eunice Njeri and Marion Shako. It doesn’t get tighter than this and with last year’s winner Emmy Kosgei conspicuously missing from the nominees list, a new queen was to be unveiled and it turned out to be Alice Kamande. (See separate story on our ‘Spotlight’ page).

General Mannase Mathiang’ won the inaugural winner of the South Sudan artiste category. Unable to hide his joy, the General literally saluted his pastors, both in Kenya and Juba.

"This is a dream come true. I never knew God would bring this my way," said the General who wasn’t attired in military fatigues but a grey shiny well fitting suit.

Alluring accolades

Eunice Njeri, who lost to Alice Kamande in the Female Artiste of the Year category, won the Songwriter of the Year gong.

They may have lost out in CHAT awards, but gospel group BMF won the Groove Group of The Year award, thanks to their hits songs, I Live for You and Holy Ghost Fire.

Ever popular Rose Muhando won the Skiza Ringback Tone as Christina Shusho won the Tanzanian Artiste of the Year, thanks to her immensely popular Unikumbuke hit.

An emotional moment at the awards was when Mary Atieno won the Outstanding Contributor to the Industry Award. A pioneering gospel artiste, Mary Atieno is an English teacher as well as a philanthropist and has 12 albums under her belt. She went on stage accompanied by her husband, cracked a joke about those with the worst voices being able to hit the highest notes, then later, Alice Kamande, Neema and Eunice Njeri did a rendition of her popular hit, Adamu na Eva.