It is a dream come true and a huge motivation to receive such a big award that recognizes the art of music production, Prince Kiiiz, a music producer signed under Country Records has said.
The young producer and instrumentalist said this after emerging as the winner in the category of Best Audio Producer Award at this year's Isango na Muzika Awards (IMA) 2023, which was held at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel on Sunday, December 17.
Also read: Who are the new producers signed under Country Records?
Kiiiz was competing against his counterparts including Element (Eleeh), whose song ‘Fou De Toi’ won the Best Song of The Year Award, Santana Sauce and Kozze.
"It’s overwhelming to be recognised this way after only few years of doing music production. To my fans, I’m happy that you keep pushing me and it’s just the beginning,” a happy Kiiiz told The New Times on Monday, adding that it is his first award ever since he joined the music industry.
The producer went on to say that 2023 has been a historical year to his music career, seeing all the accomplishments and hits he produced within only 12 months, which gives him hope of going bigger in the next few years.
"2023 was a breakthrough year for me and I’m even hoping to go bigger next year. The only way our music industry can grow is to first focus on our sound and give it value which I know that we will soon accomplish,” he noted.
Other night’s big winners include Drama T from Burundi, triumphing in the inaugural ‘Best Burundi Artist’ category, Israel Mbonyi who claimed the ‘Best Male Artist’ Award against Bruce Melodie, and Bwiza who bagged the 'Best Female Artist' award among others.
This years IMA, which was the fourth edition, featured 11 categories different to the the previous year's eight and Burundian artistes were also given a category to recognize their growing music industry.
ALSO READ: Burundian artists nominated for 'Isango na Muzika' awards
About Kiiiz
Real name Moïse Irabusa, Prince Kiiiz, is one of the new producers signed under Country Records and a graduate of former Nyundo School of Arts and Music.
The youngster has produced nothing but bangers this year and is credited with spurring the return of Danny Nanone by producing two of his comeback hits; ‘My Type’ and ‘Confirm’.
Kiiiz's breakthrough song was Alyn Sano's 'Fake Gee' which was released in May 2022 and saw him secure a deal with 1:55AM of Coach Gael where he produced Bruce Melodie's 'Funga Macho' among many others.