The nominees for the 7th annual Salax awards have been announced--and as usual, the list is full of familiar names. The announcement was made at a gala dinner at Gusto Italiano Restaurant, Kimihurura on February 11. This year’s event is sponsored by StarTimes, and the grand finale is scheduled to be held on March 29. The venue has not been communicated. Yvan Buravan leads the nomination pack with three nominations, Upcoming Artiste, Best R&B Artiste, and Best Male Artiste. Salax Awards recognises artistes, producers, and showbiz players in different categories. Nominees represent diversity in achievement over the past three year. The categories include Cultural and Traditional Artiste, Gospel Artiste, Upcoming Artiste, Best Group, Best Afro Beat Artiste, Best R&B Artiste, Best Hip-hop Artiste, Best Female Artiste and Best Male Artiste. The exercise was based on how the artistes performed in the past three years, since the awards were postponed in 2016. Meanwhile, the top five finalists in each category, will be awarded Rwf100 000. Some artistes have pulled out of the Awards, and Ahmed Pacifique, the CEO of Ahupa Digital Services, organisers of the event, told The New Times, that the event will only recognise those who will participate. “It’s their right to pull out of the Awards, but for us we shall move on,” said Ahmed, adding: “We’re rebuilding something that had stopped three years ago… an event that recognises the achievements in the country’s music industry. We need to change such a mindset.” Ahmed added that people will vote for their favourite artistes/ group either online (salaxawards.rw), social media platforms, or by SMS by typing (Salax space the code of artistes and send to 9092). Contenders will also have time to campaign on television stations. Public voting will account for 40 per cent, and judges 60 per cent. Below is the complete list of nominees: Best culture and traditional artiste Clarisse Karasira Jules Sentore Sophia Nzayisenga Deo Munyakazi Mani Martin Best Gospel Artiste Israel Mbonyi Serge Iyamuremye Aime Uwimana Patient Bizimana Gentil Bigizi Upcoming artiste Sintex Buravan Alyn Sano Marina Andy Bumuntu Best Group Just Family The Same Active Tresor Yemba Voice Best AfrobeatArtiste MC Tino Danny Vumbi Davis D Uncle Austin Mico The Best Best R&B Artiste Bruce Melodie Yvery Buravan King James Social Mula Best Hip-hop Artiste Bull Dogg Jay C Riderman Khalfan Ama G The Black Best Female Artiste Asinah Erra Young Grace Marina Queen Cha Alyn Sano Best Male Artiste Bruce Melodie Israel Mbonyi King James Buravan Riderman. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
