Groove Awards is a Kenyan annual gospel awards held byThe winners are usually chosen by the public. Often referred to as the Kenyan Ceremony of the Year, the awards are a way to identify the best talent in Kenya’s gospel music industry.
The 12th edition of the annual awards ceremony was held on June 1st, 2017 in association with Safaricom. The high-profile red carpet gala took place at the prestigious Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi, Kenya.
Typically, awards ceremonies are known for the red carpet’s glitz and glamor with many talented performers and celebrities donning the best outfits and accessories for the night and this is no taboo when it comes to a gospel awards event. Aside from wearing an attractive and elegant outfit, the paparazzi also have a full day snapping photos of the celebs while striking good poses worthy of runway models.
As in previous years, where only the best of the best talent in Kenyan gospel music were honored at the Groove Awards. The 2017 Gala was a star-studded ceremony, with a number of gifted performers walking away with awards. But for some, like Willy Paul and Dj Sadic? The ceremony was attended not only by the lucky winners, but also by the Talented Artists of 2014, who thanked the presenters, their families, mentors and colleagues for their unwavering support in helping them succeed where others failed .
This year’s Groove Awards winners and nominees have joined the more than 1,200 artists/groups nominated to date and 270 gospel musicians who have received Groove statuettes in Kenya and across the East African region.
Complete list of 2017 Groove Awards winners
Artist of the Year
• Mercy Masika
Male Artist of the Year
• Eko Dydda
Southern Africa artist
• Pompi from Zambia
Song of the Year – Nyanza Counties
• Jakayuda Iberna — Joan Amayo
Afro pop song of the year
• Thitima – Kymo and Stiga
collab of the year
• Bazokizo – Collo and Bruz Newton for
Ragga/Reggae Song of the Year
• Hope kid
Song of the Year – Central Counties
• Geria Ringi – Jane Muthoni
Song of the Year – Eastern Circles
• Yesu Nde Compe – Stephen Kasolo
Song of the Year – Rift Counties
• Atiriren – Margaret Cheruiyot
hip hop song of the year
• Eko Dydda
Song of the Year – Western Counties
• Khubira Byosi – Timothy Kitui and Ole Willy
Song of the Year – Coastal Counties
• Yuko Nawe – Mercy D Lai
West African Artist of the Year
• Ada – Nigeria
East and Central African artist
• Artist of the Year in East and Central Africa – Ahavah Gospel Singers (Ethiopia) | Angel Benard (Tanzania)
Worship Song of the Year
• Patakatifu Pako – Eric Smith
NEW ARTIST / NEW GROUP OF THE YEAR
• Weezdom
2017 talent to see
• MC Neb
GROUP OF THE YEAR
• Adawnage Band
SONG OF THE YEAR
Barua – Bahati
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
• Pitson
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
• I live for you – Adawnage
Gospel Radio Presenter of the Year
• Eva Mwalili of Milele FM
GOSPEL RADIO SHOW
• Gospel Sunday – Milele FM
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• Optimo Worship by Pastor Anthony Musembi
Dance Group of the Year
• Outsiders
Skiza Ringback Clay of the Year
• Shule Yako – Mercy Masika
DJ of the Year
• DJ Ruff
TV show of the year
• Angaza on KBC
Audio Producer of the Year
• Magic Mike
VIDEO PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
• Sammy Dee
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
• All about dance team
Verdict on the Groove Award Night
The 2017 Groove Awards show was nothing short of awesome; it was very well planned. One might even think that the event was largely run by foreign experts, but to our great surprise, it was all Kenyan talent that made it a success. It had the feel of an international event with great organisation. The concerts were lit and the guests had so much fun that they were kept merry with lively and soul-wracking performances by talented gospel acts who were billed for the night.
As with all awards shows, some win, some lose. Nevertheless, many enthusiasts were quite satisfied with the award winners. Congratulations to all the winners whose hard work was rewarded. For those who missed it, let’s say more strength and luck next time.