The 2025 Isango na Muzika Awards (IMA) will be held on Sunday, December 21, at the Kigali Cultural and Exhibition Village (KCEV), celebrating and recognizing artists who have been outstanding throughout the 2025 entertainment calendar.
ALSO READ : The big winners of the 2024 IMA awards
The awards originated from the music-focused radio program Isango na Muzika, which airs on Isango Star Radio, and have since grown into one of the most consistent awards events in Rwanda’s entertainment industry.
According to the awards’ chief producer, Alex Kavukire, winners will be determined through a voting process that combines input from local entertainment journalists, the public, and a jury made up of members of the Isango na Muzika team.
Journalists’ votes will account for 50 percent of the final results, online public voting will contribute 20 percent, while the jury will represent the remaining 30 percent.
This year’s nominations span 11 categories, including Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best New Artist, Best Song of the Year, Best Video, Best Gospel Artist, Best Video Director, Best Music Director, Best Collaboration, Best Album of the Year, and Best Cultural Act.
Best Male Artist
Kevin Kade
Bruce Melodie
The Ben
Kivumbi
Best Female Artist
Bwiza
Ariel Wayz
Alyn Sano
France Mpundu
Best New Artist
Diez Dolla
Run Up
Roddy
Olimah
Best Gospel Artist
Vestina and Dorcas
Israel Mbonyi
Papi Claver and Dorcas
Prosper Nkomezi
Song of the year
Tsunami by Run Up
Tombe by Element Eleeeh
Folomiana by Chriss Eazy ft The Ben
Molela by Ross Kana
Best Video Director
Gad
Sixte
Eazy Cut
Fayzo Pro
Best Music Producer
Element
Loader
Prince Khiiz
Muriro
Best Collaboration
Beauty on fire - Bruce ft Joe Boy
Folomiana - The Ben ft Kevin Kade & Criss Eazy
Delicious - Nel Ngabo ft Phil Emon
Repete - Diez Dola ft Dj Benda
A la vie - Nel Ngabo ft Platini
Best Album of the Year
Plenty love - The Ben
Colorful Generation - Bruce Melodie
Hear to Stay - Ariel Wayz
Now or Never - Papa Cyangwe
Best Cultural Act
Cyusa Ibrahim
Jules Sentore
Victor Rukotana
Lionel Sentore
Best HipHop Artist
Bushali
Riderman
Bruce the First
Kivumbi