While Rwandan musicians keep giving locals one hit after another that shoot up to a million views in a few weeks, they are also capturing attention of other music lovers in the East Africa region. Their hard work seems to be paying off as many have been nominated for the East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards.
Slated for July 30, the annual event aims at recognising African artistes but mostly East African artistes and celebrities. This year’s gala will take place in Nairobi, Kenya.
Here are the Rwandans nominated:
Best Female Artiste
Rwanda’s famous singer Knowless Butera is nominated on this category alongside other East African female artistes like Uganda’s Queen Sheebah and Spice Diana, Kenya’s Nandy and Nadia Mukama and Zuchu from Tanzania. Over the years, Knowless has established herself among Rwanda’s top artistes with five albums within a decade.
Best Live-Band Performance Act
US based Rwandan singer Medard Ngabo mostly known as Meddy is nominated in this category after different awards he has been nominated for. He is competing against Sauti Sol, Sheebah Karungi, H_art The Band, Barnaba Classic and Christian Bella. The singer had a great year of making mega hits that took over the whole of East Africa like "My Vow” and "Queen of Sheebah” which is nominated in the competition.
Female Discovery of the Year
There is no doubt that singer Ariel Ways has worked and made a name for herself in the country’s music industry. East Africa seems to have released the potential of this artiste by nominating her in this category for her song Away featuring Juno Kizigenza.
People’s Choice Best Female Deejay
Rwanda’s fast rising deejay Brianne is nominated for Best Female Deejay in East Africa after a year of hard work and international performances at AFRIMA awards 2021, in Dubai and Sierra Leone. She is in this category with other East African deejays including Sinyorita, Lolah, Pierra Makena and Deejay Mamie among others.
People’s Choice Best Male Comedian
Comedian Arthur Nkusi is nominated for best male comedian in this year’s awards. The 31-year-old is among top comedians in the country and mostly known in his highly anticipated show "Seka Live”. The comedian organises this annual show and invites different international comedians. He is competing for the award against comedians like Eric Omondi, Patrick Salvado, Deejay Shiti, Njugush and Joti.
People’s Choice Breakthrough Gospel Act
Renowned gospel singer Prosper is nominated in this category for his song dubbed "Hallelujah” which features gospel duo James and Daniela. The gospel sensation made many hit songs and successfully pulled out a live concert in Kenya this year. He is nominated with other artistes including Irene Robert for the song "Hainidhuru” Ft Rose Muhando, David Wonder in "Gospel Anthem” and Komando wa Yesu in "Yamebadilika” ft. Madam Martha among others.
People’s Choice Best Male DJ
Real names Pius Rickie Rukabuza, DJ Pius is nominated for people’s choice best male DJ with other Deejays from East Africa including DJ Crme Dela Crme, Romy Jons the DJ and DJ Flash Kenya among others. Pius is among few Deejays who has been in the industry for a long time and made a big name in the entertainment scene. He is also a singer who has over years been making great music since enrolling into music.
Best Collabo Hit Song
USA based Rwandan Singer The Ben is nominated for best east Africa collabo hit song dubbed "Why” featuring Diamond Platnumz. It is undeniable how much music lovers enjoyed this song basing on how it was watched and how it still gets played in different social gatherings. He is nominated in this category alongside Otile Brown ft. Alikiba in "In Love”, Mbosso ft. Spice Diana in "Yes” and Sat in " Hug Me” among others.
Among other categories that are specifically for Rwandan artistes includes Rwandan artiste of the year, Best Rwandan hit song and Best Rwandan music video. The voting is done via the website www.eastaentawards.com/.