2018 GROOVE AWARDS WITH SAFARICOM WINNERS UNVEILED

The 13^th Annual Groove Awards with Safaricom went down on June 24, in a colorful celebration held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Fashion, Pomp and Color graced the red carpet black-tie event whose style was largely inspired by this year’s theme Rebuild, which focuses on the message of unity in rebuilding and restoring the glory of the gospel industry and the country at large.

Guardian Angel of “Nadeka” bagged the Artist of the Year Award which was the most coveted award of the evening while Odi Dance by Timeless Noel, Jabidii & Hype Ochi won big by bagging four awards in Song of the Year, Collabo of the Year, Dance Style of the Year and Skiza Ringback Tune categories respectively. The awards for Teen Choice Song of the Year went to Master Piece for his song Chini Ya Mwamba.

“This has been a different year and an amazing one at that. We made a myriad of changes in how we have run the awards previously for more public inclusion and we are so happy that the changes were received very well both by the artists and the public. We have seen a larger participation and ownership of the awards process especially tonight which is a great honour. This is the biggest production in Kenya and by far Africa involving Artists, Dancers, DJs and Top Producers” said Groove Awards Founder Kevin Mulei.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to shape youth culture positively and are very proud of the work the Gospel artists continue to put in to advance the kingdom business. We are even more proud today to be able to celebrate them, those that took home an award and those that did not alike,” he added.

Among the highlights of the ceremony were throwback gospel old school show-stopping performances by Mercy Masika, Joyce Omondi, Mercy Wairegi, Pitson, Rebecca Soki amongst others who took to stage some of Kenyan biggest hits supported by the Groove Band

Other performances that carried the night included Mash ups of 2017/2018 big hits by amongst others, Moji Short Baba, Master Piece and the big win dance- Odi Dance by Timeless Noel, Jabidii & Hype Ochi which scooped four awards.

Winners in each category were selected based on number of votes by the public, a two weeks long process that began soon after the Groove Nominations Night earlier in the month.

To protect the integrity of the voting process, all votes were assessed by leading audit firm EY.

Speaking during his acceptance speech, Guardian Angel who scooped the Artist of the year award called upon gospel artistes to produce more music that glorifies God saying Nadeka came to him at his lowest and it became the song that got him the recognition that he had so yearned for years.  He urged them to be keen on content asking them to wait on God as his timing is the best.

A surreal moment engulfed thousands that were in attendance at the 13^th Edition of Groove Awards with Safaricom as the Late Angela Chibaloza was honored with the Contributor to the industry award and there after a tribute performance. Other big winners of the evening were:  Willy Paul, who took home the award for Music Video of the Year (Jigi Jigi), Jabidii for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Reuben Kigame Feat Gloria Muliro for Praise and Worship Song of the Year (Huniachi), DJ Terrots for the Breakthrough DJ of the year, DJ Mo for the Media Personality of the Year and Eko Dydda for HipHop Song of the Year (Cheki Vile).

Complete list of winners below!