The 2006 Kisimas lived up to its billing as the region's top awards ceremony for music and entertainment. They had promised glitz and glamour, and that is exactly what they delivered. The theme had earlier been unveiled as “Our heritage of Splendor”, an ode to the incredible assortment of cultures co-existing in this region. As such, magnificent sounds, colors and fabrics of Africa were on display, as various entertainers and MCs were decked out in their most colorful African regalia.

The production on the evening was excellent, hats off to Mwaniki Mageria and Balozi Productions who managed that area. The stage was resplendent in bright reds and yellows, and with a few exceptions, most things ran like clock-work.

Performances from the likes of the Longombas, Krystn Ndela, Didge and Mike Murimi kept the house thoroughly entertained. With the exception of acts like Deux Vultures, who sang totally off key, and Nameless, who didn't quite seem to be himself on stage, performing artists did a very commendable job. Though it must be said that most of them were upstaged by the presentations from Wyre; with his fantastic choreography and showmanship, as well as the sultry sweet vocal display of Uganda 's finest, Maurice Kirya.

Krystn Ndela Performs



Wyre Does His Thing

The Masters of Ceremony did a commendable job – the Kisima crowd is not always the easiest to please. Marcus and Shanice from Capital FM controlled proceedings, together with Channel O's Pinky Ghelani and former Kisima winner and performing artist Didge. Yet even though their routines went well, one can't help but feel for them as sometimes they struggled to make the huge jump from radio to stage.

MCs Pinky, Marcus & Shanice

Big winners on the night were Boomba brothers The Longombas, who walked away with all four of the awards they were nominated with, including the prestigious Song of the Year for Vuta Pumz . Nameless came in second best with three awards, including the seemingly controversial nod in the Best Afro-Fusion Artist category (where he was nominted with true Afro-fusion proponents Iddi and Divas of the Nile . Other multiple winners included Amani and Chameleone ( Uganda ).

Nameless Accepts One of his Three Awards

It must be said that it was not the most palatable nights for local gospel artists, many of whom missed out on plaudits on the night. For one, even though the gospel industry is extremely vibrant, with events and albums popping out faster than rhymes from Twista, only Krystn Ndela performed on the evening. It would have been excellent to experience the electric performances of Kanji and the Villagers, SK Blue, VUC or Votaries. (Just so you know, Mwafrika.com, representing the voice of the gospel artist, voiced the industry's displeasure to the event organizers inequity in this regard. Promises were made to address such issues).

When it came to the awards, gospel acts only picked up statuettes in purely gospel categories. Esther Wahome won her second consecutive award for Gospel Artist, while Voices United Choir (VUC) finally got the recognition they deserve by winning the Gospel Ensemble category.

VUC Accept their Award


Producer R-Kay Receives Esther Wahome's Award

Webi, nominated in two very tough categories missed out on both, Best R&B artist to Nikki, and Most promising artist to female hi-hopper STL. Confusion set in briefly when the presenter of the Best Ragga Artist category mentioned both Ousamane and Votaries as winners. Our hopes were dashed when the clarification was made and Ousamane won the award. Dual nominee Krystn Ndela also went home empty handed, losing out to Esther Wahome in one category, and Amani in another.

Dual Nominee Webi With Brian King and Gittx of the Votaries

Two of Kenya 's finest producers in Tim “Ennovator” Rimbui and Robert “R-Kay” Kamanzi once again missed out on P roducer of the Year plaudits – this time to HomeBoyz front man Musyoka . This is the one category that drew deafening boos and heckling from an obviously irritated crowd.

Questions then must be asked about the recognition that our Christian musicians receive. Is it that they still need to run considerable miles to improve their musicianship and quality of work? Could it be that they need to be more aggressive in seeking out avenues for ministry and performances? Or are there deeper spiritual issues as regards the secular world's rebuttal of a message that promotes Godliness and virtues of morality and goodness; one that spurns the status quo of cheap and profane lyrical content and indecent live performances? All these are questions for serious debate.;

But as regards the Kisima Awards, hats off to them for the very commendable work they are doing of putting Kenyan and East African music on the map.

VIP's View



Daddy Owen & DJ Lenium



VUC Enjoy Their Award



Nikki Shows Off Her Statuette



Amani Does the Same



Mwaniki Mageria's red Eyes Tell a Story of Hard Work



Didge with KBC's Producer Flavian Mbusi



Miss Universe Kenya on Hand As Well

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