The nominees for the 14th Annual Groove Awards have been unveiled at an exclusive red carpet event held at the Kenya National Theatre last evening, which saw artistes nominated in 23 categories.
This year’s nominees list had great surprises having new entries into some of the most tightly contested spots.
Receiving the highest nominations for a second year running was Jabidii. Last year, he received 7 nominations which made him the highest nominated artist in the history of Groove Awards.
This year, he has smashed his own record by bagging 11 impressive nominations including the highly contested Artist of the Year category, Collabo of the Year, Song of the Year, Teens Choice Song of the Year (in which he received 2 nominations ), Reggae/Ragga Song of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the year, Collabo of the year and Dance style/song of the Year – a category that saw him receive 3 nominations.
He was followed by Timeless Noel and Moji ShortBabaa who received 6 nominations each.
This year saw the introduction of new categories following continuous insights and changing industry dynamics.
There was a split of the Breakthrough Artists Category to accommodate both the Male and Female artists separately and the introduction of new categories; - Online/Digital Personality of the Year, Young Groover of the Year and the Diaspora Artists of the Year category respectively.
Public participation in the nomination process having been introduced last year continues to generate a lot of excitement amongst stakeholders and the industry, giving greater ownership and participation to music fans across the country.
“The announcement of the nominees follows a rigorous process of reviewing 154,371 submissions that the public put in. Having refreshed the nominations process last year to include the public in the process for greater ownership and inclusion, the feedback has been very positive. 14 years on and we are excited and grateful to be unveiling the list of contenders for the 14th edition,” said Groove panel Chairman Charles Kairu.
Adding “We are truly honored to be in a position to shape culture, recognize and celebrate today’s talented artistes and their contribution to the growth of the gospel music industry.”
The theme of this year’s awards show is: “Better Together.” It focuses on the message of unity in building better relationships, synergies and societies. It encourages a spirit of togetherness and highlights how togetherness helps build powerful and stronger bonds.
Online voting on www.grooveawards.co.ke will begin at 10pm tonight 8th May 2019. SMS voting will be introduced on Wednesday 15th May 2019 to compliment online voting and will run concurrently until midnight 31st May 2019.
This year’s winners will be announced on 1st June 2019 at the Gala Awards ceremony, to be held in Nairobi.
A winner’s concert is slated shortly after the awards ceremony on 8th June 2019 in Mombasa and will see all winners meeting their fans to celebrate their wins whilst appreciating their support during the nomination and voting process.
Below is the list of nominees.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Pitson
Moji Shortbabaa
Jabidii
Evelyn Wanjiru
Eunice Njeri
Alice Kimanzi
SONG OF THE YEAR
Zaidi Na Zaidi - Eunice Njeri
Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii
Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii
Celebrate - Evelyn Wanjiru
TEENS CHOICE SONG OF THE YEAR
Washangaze - David Wonder
Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii
Toka Teke - Mob K
Paripapa - Jfam
Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii
Confidence - Masterpiece
COLLABO OF THE YEAR
Wema Wako - Baraka Musiq ft. Guardian Angel
Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii
Ni Poa - Amani G ft. Pitson
Mwaka Wako - Florence Andenyi ft. Anastacia Mukabwa
Kurutu - Peter Mbui, Ruff, Dan Mbui & Kabi Wa Jesus
Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii
PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR
Zaidi Na Zaidi - Eunice Njeri
Usikiaye Maombi - Kathy Praise
Nikuabudu - Alice Kimanzi
Neno Lako - Godwill Babette
Even Here - Rebekah Dawn ft. Allan Sucre
Celebrate - Evelyn Wanjiru
HIP-HOP SONG OF THE YEAR
Relax - Stonee Jiwe
Realest - Kriss Erroh
Nice - Eko Dydda
Kalamu Nzito - Kamlesh Kagaba
Issues - Muhanji
Eyy Okay - Josh Xtra & Kibunjah
REGGAE/RAGGA SONG OF THE YEAR
Paripapa - Jfam
Nikuone - Dafari
God Is In Control - Kush Tracey
China - Jabidii
Atatenda - Havoc Musiq
Again (Step on Him) - Garvey Royal
HYPEMAN/MC OF THE YEAR
Timeless Noel
Mc Price
Mc Neb
MC KIbunjah
Mc Acts
Hype Ola
Hype Helena
Hype Gad
Hype Dago
Hype Belly
DANCE STYLE/SONG THE YEAR
Vimbada - Moji Shortbabaa & Jabidii
Niko Rieng - Josay Flamer
Mbwayaga - Jabidii
Kanyaga Lami - Timeless Noel & Jabidii
Again (Step on Him) - Garvey Royal
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Satisfy - Joyce Omondi
Pekee Yangu - Moji Shortbabaa
Nifanane Nawe - Wahu
Ni Tembee Na Wewe - Size 8
Mwenye Baraka - Laura Karwira
Mtu Wa Maana - Pitson
MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Timeless Noel
Syombua Mwele Osiany
Kambua
Joyce Gituro
DJ Soxxy
Dj Ruff
DJ MO
Antony Ndiema
MALE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Zack Art
Revival
Ndume
Josay Flamer
Dess
Baraka Musiq
FEMALE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Njoki Munyi
Mwangi Nimo
Lydia Ndigwa
Faith Nduhiu
Emma Omonge
Branny
BREAKTHROUGH DJ OF THE YEAR
Ken The DJ
DJ Tripple B
DJ Son
DJ Sean
DJ Ray
Dj Prince Kim
DJ Justin
DJ Dolphin
DIASPORA ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Zangi
Proud Refuge
Naomi Karanja
Emmy Kosgei
Churchil King
Benachi
ONLINE/DIGITAL PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Laura Karwirwa for KarwirwaLaura.com
Kambua for Reflections With Kambua
Kabi & Milly for The WaJesus Family
Jasmine Macharia for Cooking With Jazz
Ernest Wamboye for Pen Strokes
Brendah Jons for Ministry Through Comedy
YOUNG GROOVER OF THE YEAR
Whitney Joy
Shyro P
Shanah Manjeru
Praise Makena
Keep It Real & Am Blessed
Cynthia Inzai
Breanna Njeri Ngugi
Amani G
COASTAL COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR
U Mwamba Wangu Jesu - Dickson Nyamawi
Subira - Cate Njane
Siku Yako - John Isa
Neema - Michael Yena
NAKUPENDA - Eve Bahati
Mwanakondoo - Susan Mwalimu
CENTRAL COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR
Thimo - Shiru Wa GP
Ni Gukena - Ruth Wamuyu
Ngai wa mwanya - Paul Waiganjo
Muheani - Phyllis Mbuthia & Sammy Irungu
Kaba Ngai Ungirathima Umwe - Loise Kim
Guoko kwa Jehova - Chege Wa Willy
EASTERN COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR
Testimony - Bessy Blessing
Tamuka Ndeto - Eunice Kyalo
Ngwate Kwoko - Justus Myelo
Mundu Uiva - Ev. John Kay
Kyaa kya Ngai - Stephen Kasolo
Kava Ndiwe na Yesu - Wilberforce Musyoka
NYANZA COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR
Conquerer - Fenny Kerubo
Ok Abi Tho - John Okidi
Ababisa - Douglas Otiso
Donge Nyasaye - Eunice Ogoma
Kik Ikala - Florence Robert
Oloyo Lweny - Christine Otieno
RIFT VALLEY COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR
Very Nice Tumdo - Rose Cheboi
Shoretisho - Ole Nkukuu
Osiligi - Tychicus Keret
Kapchi - Mum Cherop
Kalamit - Pst. Joel Kimeto
Atajewuo - Sanino Bless
WESTERN COUNTIES SONG OF THE YEAR
Yeso Nolwanda - Eunice K.
Wanyangala - Jackie Wanyama
Lwanda Ni Yesu - Timothy Kitui ft. Ali Mukhwana
Khwekanile - Grace Sunday
Khongonda - Henry Mutonyi
Chinyinga Chimalilisi - Rose Ondenyo
