King James makes clean sweep on Salax night

King James is rolling with Salax hardware to spare.The singer made his comeback by winning all three of his nominations at the 2011 Salax Awards, topping the ceremony with “Artiste of the Year”, and taking home both “Best Male” and “Best R&B Artiste.”He shed tears as he took to the stage for the final award and thanked the organisers of the event, his family and the fans for making it possible for him to win the competition.Beyond King James’ success, it was a night full of celebration and tributes to Whitney Houston, and Athanase Sentore Rwagiriza – adding a sober note to the enthusiastic show.Beauty for Ashes, a Rock gospel group opened the evening with a high-energy performance of worship songs bringing the fully-packed Petit Stade into the hands of the Lord.The performance, aided by a string section, had Olivier Kavutse, the frontman, introducing the group as a gospel band – adding that they also perform secular music.“We also do secular music and - whoever would like to hire us, we are always ready to perform,” Kavutse said.Just Family, a “Best Group” nominee, lit up the stage and choreographed dance moves and they didn’t disappoint their fans.In between the exuberance, the show’s MC announced the artiste, or guest on the red carpet.In One of the evening’s most anticipated performances, Urban Boyz presented a great show, wearing kilts, a traditional dress of men and boys in the Scottish Highlands. Kim Kizito and Jozzy staged the Salax Award song. Tom Close and Uncle Austin brought the roof down in their “Ndamuhagara” track. Another great performance was that of Dream Boyz and Jay Polly, in their song “Mumutashye”.Kidumu, Cecile Kayirebwa and Eddie Kenzo were expected to perform but didn’t show up. However, Samputu, Abdul Makanyaga and Babou didn’t disappoint. Other winners The first award of the “Best Video” went to Kamichi’s “Warambeshye” and, the singer’s second win of the evening was “Best Afrobeat”. Bernard Bagenzi picked up Best Video Producer, while Lick Lick, who is currently pursuing his music studies in the U.S, scooped the “Best Audio Producer.”Knowles won the “Best Female Artiste” and Riderman went home with the “Best Hip-Hop” award. The “Best Cultural Artiste” went to Indangamirwa cultural troupe, while Liliane Kabaganza bagged the “Best Gospel Artiste.”Khizz won the “Best New Artiste” while Dream Boyz picked the “Best Group.” Dream Boyz and Kitoko’s Bella collaboration took “Song of The Year.”The month of March was well buttered for Rwandan artistes. Fourteen awards were lined up for the best talents in various categories. The nominations were carried out by showbiz journalists from various media institutions in the country.Mike Karangwa, the Chairman of Ikirezi Group Ltd, explained that it was important for showbiz journalists to conduct the nominations as they are well conversant with the artistes.The venue was well chosen and one hour before the event, Petit Stade was filled to capacity. A moment later, the artistes started streaming to a red carpet reception. The photo shoot that was done outside the hall was relayed on a big screen to the delight of the already charged audience. After the photo shoots, artistes and some VIPs were ushered into the hall, where they were welcomed with applause by revellers.There was a light moment when the big screen projected Just Family with a lady, who was dressed in a wedding gown. Finally, the long awaited moment came when the winning artistes were feted.

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King James makes clean sweep on Salax night