This year’s annual Groove Awards show was a glitzy affair as several big names on the local gospel music scene collected prizes.

Israel Mbonyi was the biggest winner, bagging two top awards of the night; ‘Male Artiste of the Year’ and ‘ Songwriter of the Year’, beating Arsene Tuyi, Gentil Bigizi, Bosco Nshuti and Papy Clever to the coveted prizes.

The awards aim at recognising outstanding personalities in the gospel music industry, including artistes, DJs, producers, radio and TV show presents, among others.

Dinah Uwera emerged best Female Artiste of the Year, while Shalom Choir won the Choir of the Year prize.

Themed Together we Can, the event, the event that took place at Kigali Serena Hotel on Sunday, was headlined by renowned Kenyan gospel artiste Mercy Masika.

Full list of winners:

Male Artiste of the Year: Israel Mbonyi.Female artiste of the Year: Dinah Uwera.Choir of the Year: Shalom Choir (ADEPR-Nyarugenge).New artiste of the Year: Jado Sinza.Song of the Year: Ndaguhetse (by Gisubizo Ministries).Worship Song of the Year: Imvugo Yiwe (by Bigizi Gentil).Hip hop song of the Year: Yaguhenda (by MD).Best Video of the Year: Yesu Ni Sawa (by Beauty For Ashes).Dance Group of the Year: Shekinah Drama team.Radio Show of the Year: Gospel Image show/RBA Musanze.TV Show of the Year: Shalom Gospel/Tv1.Radio Presenter of the Year: Peace Nicodem Nzahoyankuye.Christian Website of the Year: Ibyishimo.com.Songwriter of the Year: Israel Mbonyi.Audio Producer of the Year: Haragakiza Justin.Video Producer of the Year: Karenzo pro.Gospel Outstanding Contributor: Pastor Rushema Ephrem.Special Category: Diaspora Artiste of the year: Romulus Rushimisha.

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