The 2009 Groove Awards were arguably the tightest ever. And even though competition was as stiff as it might ever get, the award winners by and large went by the script. Key phrase - "by and large". Many seemed to have been front-runners and easily edged out the competition. Some seemed to come out of nowhere and be the dark horse that upsets the balance, yet others were plain unlucky.
We take a more in-depth look at this years list of winners and nominees.
One of the major reversals, and a great disappointment, from last year's awards was that whereas 2008 saw fierce competition from the ladies in most of the major categories (Eunice Njeri, Mercy Masika, Marion Shako, Emmy Kosgei), this time around (in)sanity was restored as the the gents dominated proceedings. Four gents in particular - (three solo and one male group) - Jimmie Gait, Juliani, Daddy Owen and MOG.
:: GENTS
It might have surprised many pundits when a hush fell over the Tsavo Ballroom as 'Song of the Year' plaudits went Jimmie Gait's way. We can't be certain why. After all, his "Muhadhara" song was arguably Kenya's biggest song of the past 12 months, gospel or secular, and it should have been no suprise, especially to a less urban crowd, when he picked up the top prize, as well as the corresponding 'Ringtone of the year' award. Still, after only penning one song in the past few years, his 'Songwriters Award' was a curious choice.
Juliani came in with 5 nominations and walked away with two well deserved nods. 'Album of the Year' really should be the biggest plaudit, the award that receives the most attention, and he was the out and out favorite there. For a second year running he picked up Best Hip-Hop song (Biceps). Daddy Owen, though, made the going very difficult for him, trumping him and others for the 'Male Artist' and 'Collabo' categories.
MOG were clear favorites in two categories, (Group, Reggae/Ragga Song), though with the emergence of other capable acts, the race is on to see if they can retain their place as Gospel's biggest drawcard, especially in secular circles.
:: INTERESTING...
Eunice Njeri and Kambua were probably engaged in a two-horse race for 'Best Female' Act, with the latter possibly just pipping the former for the award.
Interesting selections came up in the media categories, where, for instance, Crossover 101 took out the 'Best TV Show' award. Now even though it was probably good for the industry to see THE STOMP's stranglehold broken, one must wonder if this very recent entrant into a crowded field had established itself enough to triumph, sentiments echoed by show host Njugush when accepting the award. A similar case can be made for Klub Kubamba's win in the 'Radio Show' category. As for radio presenter, did Njugush deserve to win? Absolutely! But is his win disturbing? Yes! And not so much because he won, but more so because, with the possible exception of the talented Mike Gitonga, who is stuck in a horribly unpopular station, the gap seems to be widening. It seems like just yesterday we could boast of stand-out presenters Tina Nzuki, David Makuyu and Yafesi, all of whom have moved on. Our lack is now glaringly apparent, and Christian radio really must pull up its socks. Imagine for a moment if our secular counterparts had a similar category. Imagine the competition. I rest my case.
:: DARK HORSES
Again, we saw a real starnglehold broken, this time in the 'Producer of the Year' category. R-Kay could have been forgiven for having written his acceptance speech weeks ago - that award has been reserved for him for quite a while, and rightfully so. Yet this year most of the nominees put forward a strong case. Still, the emergence of both Blackman and Gittx in recent years has probably tipped the scale in their favor, and with Blackman's better consistency, he was obviously the heir-apparent.
DJ Soxxy's win was a breathe of fresh air. DJ Moz had a mortgage on that slot for years and we're certain he must have been genuinely thrilled to see one of his proteges, the very affable and popular Soxxy, grab the award. Spare a thought for DJ Krowbar though, who's also had a wildly successful year and probably just missed out. Kudos to Soxxy, he deserves it.
To add Mozay & Mr. Boo's video of the year nod here is almost criminal. Strictly speaking, they had the best quality video and thoroughly deserved the nod. Congratulations to them. However, we appreciate they were in an impossibly difficult category with artists whose audio singles were possibly better received on radio.
:: HUH?
It was unfortunate that, as Kanjii put it this was "Milele's first ever local award". That's just wrong. And somebody must do something about it. But for them to pick up the 2009 'Diaspora Award' left many picking their jaws off the floor. Though a real "HUH?" moment would have been in the offing if Kanjii did not return to pick up the 'Best Live Music Performer' award.
:: TITANIC STRUGGLES
Ever wondered what it must have felt like to have a sterling movie come out the same year as, say, Lord of The Rings or The Titanic? I bet you acts like Shem, Mercy Wairegi, Rigga and Zidi the Band do! Each received at least three nominations, but were extremely unlucky to have such fierce competition. Still, they MUST hold their heads high for their achievements so far and keep pressing on - easier said than done.
And after putting out undoubtedly one of the best albums of the year, singer Lin paid not for lacking talent, but out and out popularity. Hey-Z ran an excellent campaign to scoop the 'New Artist' award ahead of her.
:: THE FINAL WORD
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at the 2009 Groove Awards. An extra special shout goes out to the OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR to the industry - Mr. Jack Odongo.
You may agree with our picks. You may disagree. You may want to, as Juliani puts it, give us a piece of your ear like Mike Tyson. There's some slots below where you can pen your thoughts. Feel free to leave your comments.
» Post Comment
» 7 Comments
1"miss"
at Monday, 04 May 2009 07:55
Am greatfull to God.Sina shida na anything.....i love all this pple. I just pray that as artists we shall not lose forcus and concentrate on awards but you shall all do this for God's Glory. Finally mwafrika are back phew!! love you pple...so whats cooking nxt?
2Comment
at Monday, 04 May 2009 11:53
mwanzo its Yipeeeeeeeeeee mwaf is mbekkkkkkkkkk..............n so to say God does things amazingly differently from wot we all expect them to run ama go............We all ought to be greatful however the event went coz in everything kuna first n last.....congrats to the winners n love most to all who participated
3Comment
at Tuesday, 05 May 2009 00:49
One thing I can almost always count on from Mwafrika is an accurate and well-written account of almost every Christian event in Kenya. But it is articles such as these that make this e-zine stand out from every other industry pundit and medium. Thanks for great coverage of the event.
And welcome back. As you can see, you've been missed.
4Comment
at Tuesday, 05 May 2009 16:20
It was a perfect event! GLORY TO GOD! CONGRATS TO ALL WINNERS, INJILI ISONGE MBELE!
5"Mozay na Boo"
at Sunday, 10 May 2009 15:34
i watched the video and to be honest I did not like it and its nothing worth writing home about.I don't think they deserved the award and that there were def other people worthy of the award in that category.
6Comment
at Friday, 15 May 2009 10:40
Loved the show though my favourites Eunice Njeri and James okumu did not win – but then again I did not vote was hoping for divine intervention!
7"miss"
at Saturday, 20 June 2009 19:22
please consider having more pictures next time. i enjoyed the ones on the site now but was left wanting more.
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