For the 9th time, Uganda’s annual "PAM Awards” are again knocking. The event that honours the best musicians of the country, the best from all the East African countries, has been scheduled for the night of November 5th. 

The list of nominees for "Best Rwandan artists” is unsurprisingly dominated by artists who have made a name in the industry, though some of them did not release any song in 2011, the year that they nominated as the best.

A telling example is Shanel of the "Ndarota” fame.

This singer and upcoming actress last recorded a hit song in 2009, alongside Kenya’s Wyre.  She is nevertheless on the nomination list for the "Best Female Artist” for Rwanda. 

Liza Kamikazi, another nominee, had only one real hit song "Rahira” (2009), which she sang with former R&B ace, "The Ben”.

She has been one of the most successful Rwandan singers though, perhaps because of her great vocals.

She was involved in many local honours, including the "Best Female” crown in the 2008 "Salax Awards”, a nomination to the recently concluded East African Music Awards and could be on the way to raise the PAM for Rwandan songstress, 2011. 

Dancehall old-timer, Miss Jojo and the gospel songstress, Aline Gahongayire are the other two on the nomination list. 

In the male category, Alpha Rwirangira, appears first on the list. This reggae artist has been struggling and has not made an impact in the local industry, though he is known at least across East Africa.

Rafiki of the "Coga flavour” and the "Mama Wabana” star, Tom Close” and Kitoko Bibarwa are also eyeing this award. 

Kitoko had a successful year, going on some international trips and recording many songs. Tom Close dominated the airwaves than any other contender and won most honours in the year, though fans’ favourite Rafiki has a point to prove, having had an almost barren year. 

Other currently popular singers like Jay Polly and King James did not appear on the nomination list.

Ends