Coast awards

The second annual Coast awards held last Saturday turned out to be a huge success despite the sideshows and a few hitches, writes Caroline Nyanga

It was drama when the nominee for the Best Drama Queen Evelyn Adhiambo, popularly referred to as Eve, rejected the award saying she is not a drama queen. This was during the second annual Coast Music Awards held at Coast Car Park club, Mombasa Town. This comes barely three months after Pulse listed her among the top five drama queens in a feature story.

Least bothered by the celebs and media present — Eve made a disappearing act immediately her name was called. This prompted fellow promoter Beryl to collect the award on her behalf. She suddenly re-appeared in a short black dress. She then told off Bably Omar, who was one of the MC’s, that she did not need the award and that it should be taken where it belongs.

This caused a stir among the audience and for a moment the event almost came to a stop.

But thanks to Bably Omar, DJ Lenium and the event CEO Julia Beyonce of Beyonce Promotions who manged to maintain calm.

However, this was not all, at the initial stages of the event- things seemed to have worked against Beyonce who at some point almost broke down in tears.

Unlike last year’s Coast Awards held, this particular venue was not well lit, especially the sitting area. Some sections were so dark it was a task to recognise who was who.

Although the stage was well lit it, was a little too plain for such a big event. Two large screens, right in front of the crowd, had nothing to show except for the Coast Awards initials, which revolved around the screens.

At one point the sound system failed, forcing last minute adjustments.

We were made to understand that there were apparently no sponsors forcing Beyonce to foot the bills single handedly.

At one corner a disgruntled nominee openly criticised the event saying it lacked transparency.

" I don’t mind losing. Because even if I were to win I would not be happy considering the event is not genuine in rewarding efforts. she said.

Apparently the nominee confessed she had no idea of other nominees in her category, let alone her voting number.

When consulted, Beyonce who was convinced that her enemies were out to destroy her., describing the allegations as a storm in a teacup.

She explained that the Kenya Red Cross team took charge of the voting process and that there was no rewarding a few individuals, neither is she doing it for fame.

"I want to assure my enemies that they will not succeed in bringing me down. Nevertheless, I want them to know that I forgive them."

To prove her case, Beyonce went ahead and produced the various receipts she had paid for the lighting, sound and pictures of the winners to be aired live on the screens.

"This is not the end, I will ensure that justice prevails."She said.

A number of celebrities and revellers gathered in the venue as early as 8pm for an event scheduled to take place at 10pm.

Even with the hitches or should we say sabotage, the turn out was better than last year’s. The dress code was not up to standard with many nominees donning kawaida t-shirts and jeans/ shorts.

Bably Omar came in on time to rescue Muscat (a dull MC). He used the opportunity to urge Coast musicians to work together for the betterment of their music career.

"Nataka kuwajulisha ya kwamba shida yenu ni kitu kimoja tu- hamna umoja kama wasanii wa Nairobi. Hamjipendi wenyewe Kwa wenyewe- Na hio itawarudisha nyuma," he said amidst cheers from the crowd who urged him on. Artistes who were present and music diva Nyota Ndogo, Cannibal, Ukoo Flani Mau Mau, Ally B, Shirko, Skani Flani, Bantu, and DJ Lenium among others.

There were performances by various artistes and dancers who proved beyond reasonable doubt that there is immense talent at the Coast.

The biggest winner of the night was Nyota Ndogo who scooped three awards — Best Female Artiste, Favourite Video of the Year and Best Dressed Celeb.

An elated Nyota thanked Mombasa fans for their immense support, saying they had helped her get where she is today. Rapper Cannibal took home awards for Best Song and Best Male Artiste. To prove his intent he went ahead and spat some tight rhymes before accepting the awards.

Other winners

Best upcoming group - Skani Flani

Best Hip Hop group - Ukoo Fulani

Best Ragga Artiste - shirko

Utamaduni Artiste of the yea - Ally B. Favourite Female Gospel Artiste - Marion Shako

Best Male Gospel - Bantu

R&B Artiste of the year - Amour Baby became MC of the year - Bably Omar

Social Responsibility award - DJ Lenium

Best Upcoming Artiste - Escobar

Best Collabo - Collo and Risasi

Favourite band - Safari Sounds

Best Dancers - Kenyanna dancers

Favourite Female Deejay - Fridah

Appreciation award - Pulse magazine

Best Production - NJE Fuoni Records House

Best Drama Group - Kipepeo

Best Female presenter - Zula of Kaya Radio

Best Male presenter - Donde Samora of Radio Pwani

Best video production house - Gaiji

Production House of the Year - Ifuoni Records

Overall Best Group - Outer