The East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards (EAEA) is back, and the anticipation is palpable as it gears up for its grand third gala on April 14, set to dazzle audiences in Nairobi, Kenya.
The voting phase for the 2024 edition, is open inviting fans to vote for their favourite East African nominees
With over 50 categories spanning music, dance, media, cinema, production, managers, digital, DJs, and more, this prestigious award aims to honour the rich and diverse talent within the East African music scene.
Rwandan artists and entities have secured nominations across multiple categories, affirming their growing influence and artistry in the region.
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In the category of "Best Male Artist", are acclaimed names like Bruce Melodie from Rwanda, Harmonize, Marioo, Diamond Platnumz, and Jux both from Tanzania.
Similarly, the "Best Female Artist" category has a formidable lineup with Rwandan sensations including Bwiza, Butera Knowless and Ariel Wayz facing off Sheebah, Zuchu, Natacha, Vinka, Nadia Mukami, Nandy, and Spice Diana to claim the EA&039;s top female guru.
Most Supportive Tourism Institution to the Entertainment Industry, nominees are Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), Tanzania Tourism Board (TTB) and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
The nominees for the "Best Tv Station" category are RTV from Rwanda, TRACE Eastern Africa, NTV from Uganda, and Wasafi TV from Tanzania.
Israel Mbonyi has been nominated for the 'Best Gospel Single' award for his song 'Nina Siri,' solidifying his place in East Africa's gospel music history.
Nominees for Diaspora Act of the Year are Meddy, The Ben and Alpha.
Music Video/Director of the Year in Rwanda nominees are: 'Stop' by Chris Eazy - Samy Switch, 'Intare Batinya (Remix)' Yvan Muziki ft. Marina - Ameri, 'Shayo' by Ariel Wayz - Nkotanyi Frery, 'Pain Killer' by Bwiza - John Elarts - and
'Oya Shan' by Butera Knowless - Meddy Saleh.
In the category of 'Audio Producer of Excellence,' emerging Rwandan producers Prince Kiiiz, Kozze, and Ayoo Rush are competing against established producers like Hunter, Kimambo, Ihaji, Made It, Sound Boy and more. Meanwhile, in the 'Overall Hit-Maker Producer of the Year' category, Rwandan producer Element Eleeh is up against Abbah Process, S2Kizzy, Zombie, Artin Pro, Nessim Production, and more.
Best Collaboration Single category nominees are: 'One More Time' by Kenny Sol ft. Harmonize, 'Nobody' by Darassa featuring Bien
'Zanzibar' by Harmonize ft. Bruce Melodie
'Yote' by Natacha ft. Khaligraph Jones
'Elevated' by Azawi, Elijah Kitaka, Mike Kayihura, and Bensoul.
Best Breakthrough Collaboration Single in Rwanda': 'It's Okey' - Papa Cyangwe ft. Afrique & Fireman, 'Bibaryahe' - Ado Josan ft. Double Jay, 'Solo' - DJ Pyfo ft. Shemi, B-Threy, 'Turakesha' - Adda Pro & Double Jay, 'Stay' - Audace ft. Kenny Sol, 'Big Shaq' - Ish Kevin ft. Shemi, "Soo" - Yuhi Mic ft. Ariel Wayz, 'Njyenyine' - Yverry ft. Butera Knowless, 'Fenty' - 2Saint ft. Kenny Sol, and
'VIP' - Yvan Buravan ft. Ish Kevin.
Best Breakthrough Act in Rwanda: Yverry, 2Saint, Yvan Buravan, Papa Cyangwe, Ish Kevin, Seyn, Shemi, Afrique, Yuhi Mic and Audace.
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Collaboration Single of the Year category in Rwanda: 'Mama Loda' - Calvin Mbanda ft. Kenny Sol,'Fiona' - B Face & Double Jay, 'Kawooma' - Nel Ngabo, Juno Kizigenza, 'Je T'aime' - Deejay Pius ft. Vyperanking, Danraug, 'Niyo Ndirimbo' - Meddy ft. Adrien, 'Nobody' - Bwiza ft. Double Jay, 'Igitangaza' - Juno Kizigenza ft. Kenny Sol & Bruce Melodie, 'Fou de Toi' - Element Eleeeh ft. Ross Kana & Bruce Melodie, 'Your Love' - DJ Paulin ft. Drama-T & Juno Kizigenza and 'Nasara' - Dany Nanone ft. Ariel Wayz.
The nominees for 'Best Artist Manager' include renowned manager Alexis Muyoboke from Rwanda, Chiki Kuruka from Kenya, Babu Tale from Tanzania, and Ismail Nzeyimana from Burundi. Meanwhile, the nominees for 'Best Film Star' are Rwandan film star Alliah Cool, Kate Actress from Kenya, Jcob Stephene JB from Tanzania, and Nabwiso Mathew from Uganda.
KISS FM 102.3 is nominated for 'Best Radio Station,' competing against NRG RADIO from Kenya, WASAFI FM (Tanzania), and NRG RADIO (Uganda)
COUNTRY RECORDS is nominated for 'Best Music Studio,' contending with SWANGZ AVENUE (Uganda), PLUTO REPUBLIC (Tanzania), and BLACK MARKET RECORDS (Kenya).