The 10th edition of Groove Awards was hosted by Mo Sound at The Kasarani Stadium with several prominent guests and gospel artistes across the continent gracing the event. It was expected that many of the winners overtaken by emotion at the event and seeing some break down into tears was a moment of motivation rather than of sympathy. Here are the pictures 
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Bahati Kenya
Hopekid
LJAYMAASAI
Pitson
Pastor Anthony Musembi
Willypaulbongo
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Eunicenjeri11
Evelyne Wanjiru
JanetOtienoKE
Ladybee254
Loise Kim
Size8Reborn
Southern Africa Artist
• Abel Chungu -Zambia
• Benjamin Dube – South Africa
• Joyous Celebration – South Africa
• Magg 44 – Zambia
• Pompi – Zambia
• Rebecca Malope – South Africa
Song of the Year – Nyanza Counties
• Bi Uneye Gima Yesu otimo – Moureen Awuor
• Jerusalem Dalawa – Mark Odera
• Olemo – Christine Otieno
• Omorembe Toe – Fenny Kerubo
• Ong’e Ngamoi- – Muthoka Evaline
• Wasud Nyime – Emma Omonge
COLLABO OF THE YEAR
RAGGA/REGGAE SONG OF THE YEAR
Abba – Jay General
Crossing Over – Redemption ft. Guardian Angel
Goso – jfamkenya
Delilah – Hopekid
Searching – TPK SONS
Song of the Year – Nyanza Counties
• Bi Uneye Gima Yesu otimo – Moureen Awuor
• Jerusalem Dalawa – Mark Odera
• Olemo – Christine Otieno
• Omorembe Toe – Fenny Kerubo
• Ong’e Ngamoi- – Muthoka Evaline
• Wasud Nyime – Emma Omonge
Song of the Year – Central Counties
• Experiment – Betty Bayo
• Gichuri – Milkah Njambi
• Maithori – Sammy Irungu
• Ndiari Mwega – James Wanyoike
• Ngai Wa Itereri – Shiro Wa GP
• Tutigukurumana – Grace Mwai
G10 nominees.
Annie the DJ
Dj 21
Dj Frank
Dj G-Jo
Dj Mzito
Dj Tabz
Hype Ballo
Hype Guda
MC Kelly
MC Timeless Noel
Song of the Year – Eastern Counties
• Aning’ning’ Dance – Mbuvi Mbuvi
• Ikomanone – Wilberforce Musyoka
• Katiwa – Justus Mielo
• Kiss Kya Yutasi – Elizabeth Clipper
• Mwinire – Ameru Crew
• Ndumbule – Michael Mutuku
Western Africa Artist of the Year
• Frank Edwards – NGR
• Lara George – NGR
• Mercy Oheema – GHA
• Nathaniel Bassey – NGR
• Sinach – NGR
• Solomon Lange – NGR
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Barua – BahatiKenya
Jemedari – Size8Reborn
Kereka – Dkkwenyebeat
Sifa – AliceKamande
New Song – Tybe
Tam Tam – willypaul Ft. Size8Reborn
Gospel Radio Presenter of the Year
Amani Ayila – Hope FM
Dj Ruff – Ghetto Radio
Eva Mwalili – Milele FM
Jay Njoroge – HomeboyzRadio
Joyce Gituro – Pambazuka
Lawrence Thuku – Truth FM
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Am Blessed – HopekidHk
Kibali – Florence Andenyi
Mtakatifu – Frank
Mungu Mkuu – Evelyne Wanjiru
Rauka – Kanjii Mbugua
Shekinah Worship – Pastor Anthony Musembi
Song of the Year – Coastal Counties
• Maombi – Anthony Musembi
• Nisaidie – Mercy D Lai
• Rafiki – Michael Yena
• Tuma Roho – Japheth Musila
• Tunakuabudu – Marion Shako
• Yesu Ameniona- Martin Murunga
Dance Group of the Year Nominees
All Stars
AltarMINdance
FlamersCrew
Genje
Gospel Warriors
Jims and Dims
Song of the Year – Rift Counties
• Ebeneza – Edna Lotole
• Ematatui – Pst Joyce Mumeita
• Erripoto Enkai – Charity Tajeu
• Kongoi – Lillian Rotich
• Maa-Leji – LJAYMAASAI
• Nyumbani – RuriSambili
HIP-HOP SONG
Didimia – keleletakatifu
Inaweza – Dj Lapoze
Mimina – KRISERROH Ft. Magg 44 & Abel Chungu
Opportunity Remix – Falenzy & Friends
Tonight – Recapp
Zongelela – SOCkenya
Song of the Year – Western Counties
• Khumuichomie – Florence Andenyi
• Kusieve – Anne Kamsa
• Ndakhuyanza – Pamela Wandera
Ndakhuyanza – Timothy Kitoyi
• Sandizaga – Linet Njoora
• Yohana – Geofrey Kwatemba
GOSPEL RADIO SHOW
Gospel Nite Live – GhettoRadio
Gospel Sunday- Milele FM
Pambazuka – RadioCitizenFM
Mwamba Radio Show – HomeboyzRadio
Shangilia – Hope FM
Tukuza – Radio Maisha
DJ of the Year
• DJ SADIC
• DJ Krowbar
• Djggactivist
• DJMOKENYA
• djruffkenya
• TOUCHtheDJ
NEW ARTIST/NEW GROUP OF THE YEAR
Camp David
Falenzy
Fidel Atondola
Florence Andenyi
Godson Jawabu
Innocent Persons
Recapp
Ruth Matete
Saint Stevo
Tybe
TV Show of the Year
Angaza – KBCChannel1
Ntvcrossover101 – ntvkenya
Gospel Sunday – CTV
KTN Tendereza – KTNKenya
THE SWITCH K24 – K24Tv
KTNTukuza – KTNKenya
VIDEO PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Sammy Dee
SONG WRITER OF THE YEAR
Jemimah Thiong’o
Eastern & Central Africa Artist
• Christina Shusho – Tanzania
• Coopy Bly – Uganda
• Exodus – Uganda
• Father Micheal – Uganda
• Gaby Kamanzi – Rwanda
• Rebecca Soki – Congo
• Sarah Nkutile – UG
• Solomon Mkubwa – TZ
• Wilson Bugembe – UG
• ZB – TZ
WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR
Kibali – Florence Andenyi
Mfalme Mkuu – Kanjii Mbugua Ft. Enid Moraa
Mtakatifu – Frank
Mungu Mkuu – Evelyne Wanjiru
Maombi – Pastor Anthony Musembi
Unatosha – Eunice Njeri
GROUP OF THE YEAR
Adawnage
ChristCycoz
Keleletakatifu
BandSamawati
SOCkenya
Vkpmusic
SONG OF THE YEAR
Barua – Bahati
Delilah – Hopekid
Heshima – Janet Otieno
Kilele – Pitson
Liwe Liwe – Guardian Angel
Mtakatifu – Frank
Mwanake – Benachi Ft. Kaberere
Mwema – Mercymasika
Tam Tam – willy paul Ft. Size 8 Reborn
Unatosha – Eunice njeri
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR
Pastor Pete Odera
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The countdown to the much-anticipated Groove Awards gala is on and we’re ticking with it. We caught up with the Groove Africa Director, Ms Joy Wachira, who let us in on whats cooking.
UL: How is the voting process coming along?
JW: Its tight! The nominees in each of the categories are very popular each year meaning it’s always a tight race. The votes are streaming in and I’d encourage everyone to keep voting. It’s the only way to make sure their favourite artiste wins.
UL: It is all over the place that Groove Awards is turning 10. Whats going to be different with this year’s gala?
JW: Well, its true we’re turning 10 so it will be an anniversary kind of thing. Lets just say it’s going to be the best it has been in a decade!
UL:Any hints?
JW: First, we have new and exciting categories for the awards like the G10 talent category-which is our way of shining a spotlight on promising acts so that will be interesting to see how it pans out. We also have surprise performances by (laughing) no, I cant talk about that now. It will ruin the surprise but I can tell you for a fact that the performances are worth waiting for.
UL: Ok. Groove Awards has hosted some great personalities in the past. What are some of the big names on this year’s attendance list?
JW: We have some prominent personalities from Kenya, others from Zambia, Rwanda and Uganda. Having done this for a decade, its going to be the largest reunion of gospel artistes you’ve ever seen. A lot of generations will be represented.
UL: Lets talk about hosts. Victoria Rubadiri and DJ Soxxy hosted last year’s gala. Which power couple should we expect?
JW: (Laughs) This time its different…a very unusual and unexpected choice.We’ve taken three of Kenya’s best deejays and tasked them to keep us hooked all through the night…away from the decks. Krowbar, Sadic and Mo are up to it and you’ll just have to wait to see them in action.
UL: Safaricom has been a long-time partner of yours. Who else has come on board this year?
JW: Safaricom, KTN and Mo Sound Events are the official sponsors of Groove Awards 2015. Each is bringing something to the table. MoSound is taking care of all the creative and technical aspects of the show and we’re glad that Safaricom is making a lot of that possible. They will also have goodies on the day. KTN, on the other hand comes along as our live broadcast partner and will be airing the event from 5pm.
UL: Ten years in such a dynamic industry is quite the achievement. What would you attribute your success to?
JW: Wow! It has been an amazing 10 years for Groove Awards and we attribute all success to God. He has been with us all the way. Then there is the amazing team that works day and night to ensure the success of the day led by an amazing man- our boss (Kevin Mulei) who keeps the team focused and inspired to deliver the best.
This year Groove Awards will be different and with all the excitement following the awards we as Uliza Links Crew have come up with a list of predicted winners.
Female Artist of the year: I prefer Size 8 for female artist of the year. I like Mateke, Tam Tam and i just like her voice. I think it was bold of her to get born again and moving from secular to gospel and maintaining it till now. She has encouraged other female artists not to feel intimidated of getting born again.
Male artist of the year: If it were between Willy Paul and Bahati i would go for Bahati.
Song of the year: I’d go for Bahati’s ‘Barua’.
DJ of the year: Not sure.
Female artist of the year: Eunice Njeri. I just love her consistency, heart of worship. If I compare her with the others, my heart sings Eunice.
Male artist of the year: L-Jay Maasai, he has been able to retain the urban feel of music, the Maasai culture something which many artists don’t do he is a very promising artist and this is just but a beginning from him. We can expect a lot from him.
Song of the year: Mwema by Mercy Masika. Mr. Vee wrote a good song and the voice of Mercy in the song just makes it melodious. The message itself still retains the heart of worship and it is an all time music. the video was simple and it brought Mercy Masika back to the gospel industry.
DJ of the year: DJ Krowbar. I like the way he ministers through the shows, Tukuza and Tendereza, he has that appeal for mature crowd and his themed show is so much educative with a lot of content.
Female Artist of the year: Eunice Njeri. She has maintained what she has been doing and has not diverted from the ministry of being a worshiper. Her songs are not just songs but quality gospel music.
Male artist of the year: Pitson. Creativity in his Music at least has shown that reggae genre of gospel can be successful
Song of the year: Mwema by Mercy Masika. That song is good, i love the video it is powerful, creativity in the video.
DJ of the year: DJ Mo. He is passionate about what he is doing he is not doing it for fun. Its a call for him. He is determined and focused. [ NB : DJ MO withdrew last year ]
Female artist of the year:Eunice Njeri. She is a worshiper who has stuck to her mode of music since she started in the industry. She stands out in a good way.
Male artist of the year: Bahati. He is humble which has been evident on his social media pages and that is amazing. I also like the step he takes towards relating with his fans even going to the extent of asking us to pray with him.
Song of the year: Mwema by Mercy Masika. It is an amazing song that touches the heart, the lyrics has been well done and the video is even better.
DJ of the year: DJ Sadic. He is a mentor. He has walked with several upcoming artists in the industry through Genius Republic something that you don’t come across everyday. He is humble and generally an amazing person. His deejay ministry is a reflection of his relationship[ with God.
Female artist of the year: Size 8. She deserves to win. God has been faithful in her life and has never left her, I knew Size 8 in primary school we schooled together and she was so inspiring and she sang praise and worship in the morning assembly. She is open hearted and shares her inspirational life to many. Her move to salvation and Gospel industry encouraged many and she is bold never afraid of anything.
Male artist of the year: Bahati. He is obviously humble and down to earth. He doesn’t despise anyone and is not over proud. He touched my heart when he adopted three children at a tender age. He is sure of himself and focused. He loves peace something which reveals in his social media accounts.
Song of the year: Mwanake by Benachi ft Kaberere. If there is one person who touched my heart through Music it was Kaberere. Mwanake seems so predicting as if he had known he would one day leave us. Benachi has nice moves that combine with the song beats and the video is just awesome.
DJ of the year: DJ Krowbar. The guy just knows his work and he has passion towards it. I love how he spins.
Female artist of the year: Eunice Njeri. I think she needs to win. My heart is with Eunice Njeri but my mind says Size 8 because of Tam Tam which has over one million views.
Male artist of the year: Bahati will come on top again though there might be a contest from Willy Paul and L Jay Maasai. Willy Paul chances are based on his song with Size 8 as for L Jay Maasai his chances are based on him winning new artiste of the year. My Choice will be Bahati.
Song of the year: Mwema by Mercy Masika is the current hit song being played all over. Tam Tam on other hand might just bag the award because of the reach it has.
DJ of the Year: DJ Sadic may be the winner because DJ Mo decided to withdraw. I feel this year it will be between DJ Sadic and DJ Krowbar.
The final bit of work is now currently on going at arboretum grounds where the 10th Annual Groove Awards nomination night will be hosted today. This is the day where every heart beat counts and every nomination gets an applause from different counties in the country.
Who do you think will be nominated ?
The mission of Groove Awards as outlined is :
o To REACH OUT to the youth of this generation through GOSPEL MUSIC (ACTS 1:8)
o To ENRICH and EQUIP gospel artists in their faith to be better ministers
o To UNITE gospel musicians through CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE in music
o PROMOTE and CONNECT Gospel artists across Africa
o Raise the STANDARDS in the gospel music industry
o Open doors for UPCOMING ASPIRING singers, songwriters and musicians
o Promote local gospel artists and their music to a global audience
Groove Awards is Kenya’s premier gospel music Awards Ceremony whose main vision is to Promote, Expose and Celebrate Gospel talent in Kenya and across Africa. This year it will be doing it again as they plan to nominate the outstanding perfomers in the christian circle after they crowned Bahati and Sara Kiarie last year.
The awards which are organized by Kev Muley of Mo Sound will be holding their nomination night at Arboretum grounds this Wednesday in a ceremony that will look back at how far groove awards has come since its inception.
The nominations will be based on the following categories :
Photos courtesy [Artistes]
“Artistes need forums like Groove Camp to meet, interact and learn from the older generation,” said multiple Groove Awards winner, Daddy Owen at the last Groove Camp.
Groove camp was initiated in the year 2013 and since its inauguration the camp has been attended by over 100 artists and 10 facilitators who have talked issues on: Vision & Factors that hinder one’s vision, Personal Branding and Finances.
The camp will be the start of the 10 year celebration of Groove Awards which has brought so many artistes in the limelight. Mostly hosted for a couple of days artistes will get the chance of sharing ideas , singing and playing games.
After an amazing turn out last year when gospel artiste Bahati was named the outstanding artiste from the rest now other budding artistes have a chance to take the stage.
Groove Awards submissions are now open.
and you can submit by going to grooveawards.co.ke
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