The countdown to the 2014 Salax Awards is on. The annual music Awards gala will be held on March 28 at the Gikondo Expo Grounds.

According to the organisers of the annual music awards, the evening will feature exceptional talent including the 2011 Salax Awards Best New Artiste Kizito Hategekimana, aka Khizz.

"I am pleased and honoured to have been given the opportunity to perform at this major event. I promise my fans and all music lovers who will attend the event a great performance,” said Khizz.

Khizz has been active on the music scene and has performed with several musicians in the region including Eddy Kenzo, Jackie Chandiru and Radio and Weasel all from Uganda, among others. 

Some of his popular songs include Ifoto and Niwe ntawundi. The Afro-Pop/R&B singer started singing at the age of seven in church and wrote his first song, Kiza igihugu cyacu when he was only 12.

Describing his early years and his passion for music, Khizz said, "I have loved music since my childhood. I wanted to become a great musician and inspire young people to pursue their dreams.”

The Salax Awards started in 2008 as a platform to recognise Rwanda’s talent in music and other fields of entertainment. 

Full list of the nominees for the 2014 Salax Awards:

Best Male

Uncle Austin

Riderman

Mani Martin

King James

Urban Boyz

Best Female

Knowless

Allioni

Ciney

Queen Cha

Paccy

Best Song of the Year

Kanda Amazi

Ibitenge

Care

Rubanda Rmx

Umuriro watse

Best Album

Igikona

Kelele

Mudakumirwa

Uteye ubusambo

Uwo ndiwe

Best Group

Active

TBB

TNP

Urban Boyz

Two 4 Real

Best Gospel

Beauty for Ashes

Bright Karyango

Gabby Kamanzi

Patient Bizimana

Serge

Best Rap/Hip-hop

Ama G The Black

Bull Dog

Fireman

Green P

Riderman

Best R&B/Pop

Christopher

Bruce Melody

Knowless

Gisa

Edouce

Best Afrobeat

Senderi

King James

Kamichi

Mico The Best

Uncle Austin

Best Traditional Artiste

Jules Sentore

Gakondo Group

Inganzo ngari

Mani Martin

Eric Mucyo

New Artiste

Kid Gaju

Active

Social

Teta Diane

Two4 Real

Best Video

1. Ninkureka

2.Barahurura

3.Abanyakigali

Rubanda ‘Remix’

Kanda Amazi

Best Diaspora

Meddy

The Ben

Ben Kayiranga

Stromae

K8