At a time when local music awards seem to be engaging the reverse gear faster than a government spokeman gaffe, the Gospel genre once again proved its immense popularity with a smashing return of the annual Groove awards. Returning to deliver undoubtedly its strongest and most polished showing to date, the event, held at KICC's Tsavo ballroom, saw the creme de la creme of the Gospel scene celebrated in style.
Talk about throwing in the kitchen sink, event organisers turned on the razmatazz like never before. In front of a capacity crowd, absolutely packed to the rafters, a splendid display of lights and colours was sandwiched between a brilliantly choreographed and well-executed event. Starting with the beautiful piece from the Jirani Children's Choir and the spell-binding opening set from Juliani, all the way thorugh to Daddy Owen's power-packed closing, which showed the great camraderie Gospel artists enjoyed as many of the nominees joined them on stage, energy levels remained high right through.
The afternoon's triple threat came from big guns Juliani, Jimmie Gait and Daddy Owen - three acts who have recently hypnotised the Gospel world. Jimmie Gait and his Muhadhara phenomenon led the way with three nods, including the much coveted "Song of the year" statuette. Juliani's win in the "Album of the Year" category, and Daddy owen's "Male Artist of the Year" nod ensured some of the front-runners rode home fairly easily, though a number of dark horses emerged to throw a spanner in the works and add some excitement to the afternoon. (CLICK HERE for a full list of winners, and HERE for our in-depth analysis of the day's winners).
And just for that extra pizzazz, a slew of prominent entertainment and media personalities were also on hand to dish out the statuettes. Throw in the likes of TV host Churchill, popular news anchor Jeff Koinange, funnyman Eric Omondi, just to name a few, and right there the excitement dial was turned up a notch.
And for the first time in the event's history, the net was widened to include nominees from neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda. It helped immensely that winners from both countries, Rose Muhando (TZ) and God's Image (Uganda) were on hand, not only collect their prizes, but also give rousing performances.
Much credit goes to Kevin Mulei and his Mo Sound Entertainment outfit, that has continued to work tirelessly, many times against a tide of opposition and criticism, to stage this awesome showcase. They continue to raise the bar and set high standards of excellence for the Groove Awards. This year, and in what was a major coup for such an event, this was the very first local award show beamed live into millions of Kenyan and African households courtesy of the good folk at NTV (via their free-to-air channel and their DSTV subscription channel throughout Africa). As a result, Groove Awards 2009 undoubtedly had the largest television audience of any such ceremony in the the region ever. EVER!
To call Groove 2009 a success would be an understatement. It ROCKED!!
(CLICK HERE for a full list of winners, and HERE for our in-depth analysis of the day's winners).
 Neema Leads The Nationa Anthem  Juliani Picks Up his First  Nominee Aaron Rimbui Leads The Band  African Children's Choir  Audience Loving It  DJ Lenium Makes A Presentation  Chit Chat Throw Down  Churchill Live In The House  Becky Muikia - Programs Controller Power Radio  Enjoying The Show  Soxxy - DJ Of The Year  King Of Kapungala Shows Appreciation  Emmy Kosgei Did A Splendid Job  Back Again For 2009 - Radio King Njugush  Funnyman Eric Omondi  Former Winner Esther Wahome  Uganda's God's image  Danco & Daddy Owen  Power Breakfast Presenter Gowi Odera  Mavuno's Pastor Muriithi celebrates Jack Odongo  Outstanding Contributor - Jack Odongo  Kanjii's Just A Man  Event Visionary Kevin Mulei  Keeping It All Kenyan - Jeff Koinange  It's Muhadhara!!  MC LC Flanks Juliani  Kambua Excited To Pick Up Her Best Female Act Award  Speechless On The Milele Win  Mbuvi Wins...Mbuvi Sings  Mozay & Mr. Boo Say Their Thank You's  Purpose Center's Pastor Julian  Rose Muhando Brought The House Down  Tina Nzuki Trying to Be Inconspicuous  Former Hope FM Presenter Yafesi » Post Comment
» 10 Comments
1Comment
at Monday, 04 May 2009 08:48
eh mwafrika....power to the whole crew...am loving this!!!!
2Comment
at Monday, 04 May 2009 08:53
wow the chit chat song is so hot..
3Comment
at Monday, 04 May 2009 09:55
Hey guyz just like the fact that you are back...Groove rocked...nice pics
4"you are back"
at Monday, 04 May 2009 10:24
nice to have you back guys!!!!! i love the photos you guys always capture the best in people!!! good job!!
5"victoria"
at Monday, 04 May 2009 10:25
Hey the awards show rocked though I had to watch just a small part of it.Is there a way you can organise it to be aired again the whole of it?The gospel industry is growing and I love it,congrats to all the winners and nominees.Tuendelee kuliinuwa jina la Yesu.
6"chaxs"
at Monday, 04 May 2009 13:04
hey guys its gud to hav u back misd u alot
7"'sinjouritta'"
at Monday, 04 May 2009 14:21
Hi mwafrika team.
Karibuni tena!!.
Am so so very glad dat your back,misd u loadz.
I misd da event thou, ba am so hapy coz i have seen da pics.
Just want 2 tuma my kudos 2 ol the winaz & also 2 ol da nominees.coz at the end of the day we r ol winners_coz of representing JC to da fullest in our respective areas of influence.
4ril gospel is going 2 higher levels,,
Baraka mob.
8Comment
at Wednesday, 06 May 2009 05:36
Hi guys. Thank you for all the support. DVDs of the event will be out soon. Watch this space for a chance to get yuor own DVD as there will be limited copies available.
9"Grooving for JC"
at Saturday, 09 May 2009 15:13
Loved every bit of it.Big ups to all the Artists and not forgetting Mwaf am glad it's back...
10"Student"
at Wednesday, 27 May 2009 14:38
That was some serious tight contest, put others,
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