Once again the Kenyan music award organisers rolled out the red carpet and made a big announcement that the top winner would take home Sh2million, writes ROSE KWAMBOKA
The prestigious Kisima music awards media launch held on Monday at Serena Hotel, Nairobi attracted celebrities, media and key industry players.
This year’s awards, christened the Making of Legends, was marked with the announcement that the top winner will walk away with a cool Sh2million.
As the night progressed, the fun-filled night saw Sakata Dancers swiftly move to Rihanna’s Only Girl in the World. As they showcased their prowess, singer Debbie Asila nodded to the beats and sipped her red wine.
Smartly dressed Jackie Njari Maina, the reigning Miss University Africa, graced the occasion with her beautiful smile.
In her remarks she urged sponsors to come on board to make the Kisima 2012 awards a success.
money award
The emcee of the night was Angela Wambui Muiruri, Miss Kenya USA 2010/2011.
Dressed in a little black dress and a bubbly personality, she was stunning.
Fred Simiyu, the chairman of the Kisima awards, then dropped a bombshell that the overall best artiste would walk away with Sh2m. He invited last year’s winner, Juliani, to talk about his experience after winning Kisima’s top award.
The gospel singer was all smiles as he recounted how he walked away with Sh1m during last year’s gala night. Juliani thanked the organising committee for steadfastness in realising artistes dreams. He even confirmed that he received Sh1 million. He was quick to add that he wouldn’t mind another win. He added, “Hiyo usiku sikuenda home poa. Kila msee kwa hood alikuwa anaomba nimuachie kablue hivi.”
That is not to say he did not invest. In fact, he donated part of the cash for charity. He thanked the whole Kisima awards partners including Pulse magazine and Flame Entertaiment for supporting music in Kenya.
speakers
Other speakers of the night included Feisal Lasker, Kisima corporate affairs director, Sylvia Mochorwa the communications director, Sangeeta Patel, vice chair Kisima, and Pulse Editor CEO who is also one of the award’s directors.
Director and advisor UNaids Haile Girmay also talked about the need to preach peace through music during the function.
The nominations are now underway and artistes are urged to submit their music for selection.
This will be preceded with vigorous process of voting by the public and the academy. A percentage of the votes from the public and those from the judges in the academy will be taken into consideration to come up with the winners for different categories.
The event will be held later in September.
