The annual African Musik Magazine Awards ceremony (AFRIMMA) third edition was held in Dallas, Texas on the 15th of October, which saw many African musician nominees attend the event.
Kenya was nominated in 15 categories for highly coveted awards, that included acts like Willy Paul, Sauti Sol, Akothee, King Kaka, Octopizzo, DJ Joe Mfalme, Enos Olik and Visita.
Akothee’s first mega song was a collaboration with Bongo start Diamond Platnumz dubbed Sweet Love. She then went to West Africa to work with celebrated Nigerian singer Flavour, in a new song Give It To Me, which is one of the biggest club bangers of 2016.
"Goodmorning #teampositivity you have been a valuable member of our team #teamakothee , I want to acknowledge everyone's extra effort, thank you for giving me the chance to fulfill my potential here, thanks for taking your time to vote for #madamboss .Best Female East Africa #Afrimma2016 am humbled Be blessed," Akothee posted after the win.
Controversial gospel singer Willy Paul, who has been previously nominated several times in the same category, finally brought home the Best Gospel award. Willy Paul is currently riding high on his hit-song Fanya and though he didn't attend the ceremony in the US, he thanked all his fans for their votes and support.
The biggest win came from Africa's favorite boy band, Sauti Sol, who bagged The Best African Group award.The African Kings of Pop received 5 nominations including the Artist of The Year, which came after their successful nationwide tour to promote their latest album ‘Live And Die In Afrika’.
Other Sauti Sol nominations included; Best Male East Africa, Best African Group, AFRIMMA Video of The Year and Song of The Year for Unconditionally Bae featuring Ali Kiba.
We are truly proud of the artistes who represented Kenya in the awards and this AFRIMMA win clearly shows that Kenyan music is doing well both in East Africa and Africa as a whole and of course there is room for improvement.
Tanzania's new artist, Harmonize was thrilled after bagging the Best New Comer Africa award. Harmonize is signed to Diamond Platnumz' WCB Wasafi music record and is best known for songs like; Bado featuring Diamond, Matatizo and Aiyola.
While he has previously scooped 3 awards, this time Diamond Platnumz only bagged one award this year, that is for the Best Male East Africa. Congratulations to all the winners of AFRIMMA 2016.
