Kenya’s 50th anniversary as an independent state was made even greater with the Groove Awards 2013 winners ceremony being held at the KICC. This time round the event was an invite only event and had been moved from the usual venue of the Tsavo Ballroom to a tent set up outside. The star-studded black tie event was full of great performances as the best of the best in gospel music were feted.
President Uhuru Kenyatta made this event more special by being in attendance and throwing his support behind the music industry. In his speech, He pledged to have the ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts which is currently under Dr. Hassan Wario’s hands to step up measures to protect artists from piracy and copyright infringement. His government is committed to making the arts a sector for driving the economy and will set aside 2.5% of the National Revenue for the National youth Fund to help the youth exploit their talent.
President Uhuru also stated that his government will help the music industry improve by putting in measure in the 2013/2014 budget for construction of a theatre with live audio and visual links. It will also provide licenses for artists to perform across the country and provide access to facilities for artists in all counties. He also welcomed key industry players to approach the government with ideas on how to improve the industry.
The legendary show Joy Bringers which used to air on KBC was given special recognition as being the Most Outstanding Contributor towards the growth of Gospel Music as we know it today. There was also a special tribute to the late David Nthiwa, who was the brains behind the show.
Below is a list of all the nominees and winners in each category. The winners’ names are highlighted in bold.
Remember to look out for the Groove Tour coming to a town near you soon. Dates will be announced at a later date.
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
DK Kwenye Beat
Eko Dydda
Jimmy Gait
Kevoyout
Kris Eh Baba
Willy Paul
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Eunice Njeri
Gloria Muliro
Hellena Ken
Jemimmah Thiong’o
Mercy D’Lai
Mercy Wairegi
GROUP OF THE YEAR
BMF
Christ Cycoz
Kelele Takatifu
MOG
SOC (Saints of Christ)
Tetete
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR / GROUP OF THE YEAR
Bahati
Chuchu
Denno
HopeKid
Joyce Omondi
Makenna
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Conquerer – Joyce Omondi
Emmanuel – Mercy Masika
Katikia Yesu – Kris Eh Baba
Mbona – Daddy Owen and Dennoh
Money Money – M.O.G
Sari Sari – DK Kwenye Beat
SONG OF THE YEAR
Appointment- Jimmy Gait
Mbona- Daddy Owen ft. Dennoh
Mpango wa Kando- Gloria & Evelyne
Sari Sari – DK Kwenye Beat
Sitolia – Willy Paul & Gloria Muliro
Wanajua – Pitson & Mwenye Haki
WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR
Asante – Chomba
Ayala – Mercy Wairegi
Hutaniacha – Makenna
Nibariki – Rozy Ohon
Nimekubali – Eunice Njeri
Usinipite – Ali Mukhwana
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
BMF – Rise Up
Dennoh – Naona Mbali
Mambo Yanabadilika – Hellena Ken – Winner
Nuru – Mercy Wairegi
Penya – Jemmimah Thiongo
Urban Prayers – Rigga
HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR
Beautiful People – Eko Dydda
Bila Yesu – SOC – Winner
Bonga Bonga – Kelele Takatifu
Champion – Christ Cycoz
Katikia Yesu – Kris Eh Baba
Sina Chorus – Rigga
AUDIO PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Bizzy B – Winner
Dr. Eddie
Gitonga
Jackie B
Saint P
Teddy B
VIDEO PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Dr. Eddie
Eagle Films – Winner
J Blessing
Princecam
Tiger
Young Wallace
RAGGA / REGGAE SONG OF THE YEAR
Amazing Grace – Guardian Angel
Get Ready – Jfam
Holiday – Hope Kid – Winner
Monday till Sunday – Dafari
Pull Up – Kevoyout
This Life – Redemption ft. Simbo & Guardian Angel
COLLABO OF THE YEAR
Holiday – Hope Kid & Altermin Dancers
Kando – Gloria Muliro Ft. Everlyne
Kofi Yoo – Masterpiece ft. D.K Kwenye Beat & Cabassa
Mbona – DaddyOwen Ft. Dennoh
Sitolia – Willy Paul & Gloria Muliro
Wanajua – Pitson & Mwenye Haki
DANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR
Alabaster
Altermin – Winner
Flamers
Iced
Jims & Dims
Zionists
GOSPEL RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR
Gospel Sunday – Milele FM
Inuka – Hot 96
Replay Show – Truth FM
Shangilia – Hope FM
Trinity Connect – HBR
Tukuza – Radio Maisha
RADIO PRESENTER OF THE YEAR
Allan T – Trinity Connect (HBR)
Amani – Shangilia (Hope FM)
Antony Ndiema – Tukuza (Radio Maisha)
Kambua – Inuka (Hot 96)
Esther – FNL (Ghetto Radio)
Jay Njoroge – Mwamba (HBR)
DJ OF THE YEAR
DJ GG
DJ Krowbar
DJ Mo
DJ Sadic
DJ Sanch
DJ Touch
GOSPEL TV SHOW OF THE YEAR
Crossover – NTV
Gospel Garage – K24
Kubamba – Citizen TV
Password – NTV
Rauka – Citizen TV
Tukuza – KTN
PWANI SONG OF THE YEAR
Calender ya Mungu – Anastacia Mukabwa
Chuna Pua – Kimsa
Elshadai – Yvonne Aphia
Maisha Bila – Princess Farida
Nakuabudu – Clemence Tumaini
Nakungoja – Mercy D Lai
RIFT VALLEY SONG OF THE YEAR
Ashe Papalai – Charity Tajeu
Kiboiboi – Faith Kosgei
Maiwek – Joel Kimeto
Osalaba – Sam Manga
Safina – Maryanne Tutuma
Young Man – Mr. Israel
WESTERN SONG OF THE YEAR
Chemishet – Doreen Baruto
Matsai ka Yesu – Gloria Muliro
Nge Ekhisi – Selina Sitati
Olwanda – Sally Siboi
Omusamba Kwa Yesu – Bishop Olumasa
Shibenganyata – Joesph Sishia
EASTERN SONG OF THE YEAR
Kwambata – Dorcas Ndambuki
Ndikasyoka Thinani – Stephen Kasolo
Nibwega – Kendi Meme
Nue Ndete – Mbuvi
Twendaneni – Ameru Crew
Utao – Purity Katieko
NYANZA SONG OF THE YEAR
Amiela Miela – Wamor
Inkanye Nyasae – Caro Nyakwaka
Kwe Kende – Rosemary Ogonya
Many Many – Tetete
Nying Manyien – Geraldine Oduor
Sonko wa Sonko – Christine Atieno
CENTRAL SONG OF THE YEAR
Agocwo – Betty Bayo
Dady Wa Power – C-Bsir
Kindu wa Nii – Dennis Mutara
Kiriro – Simon Njehia
Magegania – Sammy Irungu
Ruciu Rwaku – David Mambo
ARTIST OF THE YEAR (UGANDA)
Coopy Bly
Exodus
Holy Keane Amooti
Jackie Senyonjo
Ruyonga
Wilson Bugembe
ARTIST OF THE YEAR (RWANDA)
Bahati Alphonze
Gaby Irene Kamanzi
Theo Uwiringiye
Tonze
Kabaganza Liliane
Patient Bizimana
ARTIST OF THE YEAR (TANZANIA)
Bahati Bukuku
Bonny Mwaitegi
Christina Shusho
Martha Mwaipaja
Rose Muhando
Upendo Nkone
ARTIST OF THE YEAR (BURUNDI)
David Nkundimana
Dudu Niyukuri
Fabrice Nzeyimana
Fortrand Bigirimana
Redemption Voice
Seraphins Song
Song Writer of the Year – Mercy Wairegi
Skiza Ring back tone of the year – Ndivyo Ulivyo – Rose Muhando