It was pomp and glamour at the KISS Summer Awards 2022 as fast-rising artistes Chriss Eazy and Kenny Sol stole the show and dominated the podium during a colorful award giving gala held Sunday, October 30, at Norrsken, Kigali.
Organised annually by local entertainment radio station, KISS FM, the awards recognise outstanding music artistes whose works have made a difference throughout the calendar year. They also seek to honor those who have been instrumental in changing Rwanda’s music space throughout the summer period.
To the majority of the attendees’ impression, awards organisers were hailed for putting up a well-organised and coordinated gala, from the red carpet session and music from DJ Lamper, to time management and entertaining combination of event co-hosts Arthur Nkusi and Sandrine Isheja Butera.
Kenny Sol and Chriss Eazy have arguably been outstanding to the point that their works earned them admiration from their audience over the years while their music led to a busy season of performance, something that Kiss Summer Awards 2022 organisers could barely ignore.
As a result, Kenny Sol took home the Summer artist prize beating the likes of Nel Ngabo, Juno Kizigenza, Christopher and Chris Eazy, while the latter grabbed two important awards after he was named Summer New Artiste which he won against Yampano, Bwiza, Okkama and Afrique.
The award saw Chris Eazy become the brand ambassador of ENGEN for a year.
The singer’s ‘Inana’ also won the Summer Song Award, ahead of ‘Muzadukumbura’, a Nel Ngabo-Fireman collaboration, Kenny Sol’s ‘Joli’, ‘Mi Casa’ of Christopher as well as ‘Agatunda’ by upcoming singer Afrique.
The musician dedicated the incredible achievement to his manager Junior Giti and Element who produced the award-winning song ‘Inana’.
"I am grateful for my management, my family and, most importantly, Element who had an outstanding contribution to my music,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alyn Sano was awarded ‘Best Female Artist’ ahead of gospel music duo Vestine and Dorcas, Marina, Bwiza and Ariel Wayz while the ‘Best Producer’ award went to Element.
The young but promising producer beat his counterparts Clement Ishimwe, Niz Beatz, Madebeats and Santana Sauce to win the award for the second time.
The awards also served as an occasion to honor late musician Yvan Buravan whose album ‘Twaje’ was voted as the best ahead of ‘Kemo Therapy’ of rapper Bull Dogg, ‘Did’ by Kivumbi King, ‘RNB360’ by Nel Ngabo and ‘Goligota’ by Mr Kagame.
Buravan’s brother Martial Batanga received the award on his behalf and, upon receiving the prize, thanked everyone who helped the fallen singer’s growth to becoming an acclaimed musician.
"Before he died, he told me to help him make a list of people who helped him throughout his music journey so he could thank them all. But, because the list was too long, I couldn’t do it. That’s why I take this opportunity not only to thank you for this award but to also appreciate everyone who has helped Buravan grow musically,” said Batangan.
Meanwhile, Joseph Mushyoma was recognized with the lifetime achievement award, to honor his relentless dedication to creating jobs that benefit many artists in the music industry.