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
