May 1, KICC - It was certainly The Year of the Owen at this year’s Groove Awards with Skiza as the king of kapungala walked away with six wins, capping what has been a phenomenal year for him and for Gospel. Daddy Owen’s unprecedented quintet, including the coveted male artist of the year, was the highlight of an afternoon that saw Kiriro emerge as Kenya’s biggest song of 2009, winning all the categories it was nominated for.

Emmy Kosgei, self-described ‘village girl’, was voted best female artist with her popular Taunet Nalel picking the Rift Valley song award as well. Eko Dydda seemed to get the Gospel stamp of approval with his New Artist win, while his collabo with Holy Dave predictably bagged the hip-hop song trophy.

In truly world-class fashion, the 2010 Groove Awards had all the markings of an international event, glittering all the way from the red carpet to the stage set-up and remarkable performances. It was time to honor Gospel artists – the very same ones who have taken Kenya’s entertainment scene by storm – and nothing was spared in making it happen.

The stars turned out in their best, coming from all over the region – even as far away as Rwanda to witness a classy testimony to just how far Gospel music has come. And the afternoon did not disappoint. With the programme deftly and commendably steered by MCs Amani and Kanjii Mbugua, top notch performances and sky-high energy levels, Groove 2010 was all it was billed to be and more.

One of the most unique aspects of this year’s Groove Awards was the fusion of the old and the new, a true reflection of Gospel music’s journey since the late 90s. Pete Odera revisited the past with Christo Karinyo  and Wach, before joining up with Kanjii Mbugua for an exciting medley representing the 2000’s. R-Kay and Mbuvi jazzed fans with Okelia and Nisamehe from back in the day, followed by even more interesting pair-ups including Esther Wahome with Aaron Rimbui on the keys! The new face of Gospel was represented by the crowd favorite Niko Na Reason by Holy Dave and Eko Dydda, as well as Jimmie Gait’s and Juliani’s electrifying sets, a hip-hop nod in the form of Chit Chat and of course, the trio of Daddy Owen, Dunco and Kerah to top it off.

For the 4,000-plus fans and invited guests that turned up, it was an afternoon well spent as Groove Awards once again raised the bar for award shows in this region. 2011 here we come!

For the full list of winners, CLICK HERE.

Jimmie Gait Checks In

DJ & Mrs Moz And Family

 
Juliani & LC Looking Good

 
The MOG Boys On The Red Carpet

The Rev. Pete Odera & His Missus Arrive

The African Children's Choir Are All Laughter

 
Uganda's Exodus Check In

 
Esther Wahome Looking All Glamorous

 
Fashionistas Holy Dave, MOG's Tony & DJ Mo

 
DJ Soxxy With His Trademark Pose

MCs Kanjii And Amani Get Things Rolling

 
Mr & Mrs Kassanga Were Honored With A Lifetime Achievement Award

 
Ignitaz Break A Leg

 
The Legendary Pete Odera On The Mic

 
Mbuvi & R-Kay Revive Their Old Collabo

 
Esther Wahome On The MIc

 
Nyanza Winner Geraldine Is Overwhelmed

 
Hey-Z And Kay Z Pick Up The Western Song Award

Emmy Kosgei Shows Off Her Wins

The Ignitors Are All Excited

 
Jimmie Gait Performs Huratiti

 
Juliani Gives His Acceptance Speech For The Lyricist Award...

 
...Then Shows Why He's The Best

 
Marion Shako With Her Pwani Song Trophy

Holy Dave And Eko Dydda Go At It

 
The ChitChat Crew (Dee, Ciru & Astar) Love It

 
ZIDI the Band Accept Their Award

Daddy Owen & Allan Aaron In A Prayer Of Thanksgiving

 
Mike Olome & SK Blue Pick The Audio Production Award

 
Chit Chat's Ciru Leads A Memorial Song

 
With Jaya And Dee

 
Rigga Gets On The Mike

MOG Do Their Thing

So Do Kerah, Dunco &  Daddy Owen 

 
All The Boys Together

 
Alice Kamande With Her Groove Statuette

 
Rwanda's Josphine (of The Sisters) Is All Smiles

Kameme FM's Lucy Wa-Ngujiri Was Best Radio Presenter

 
The Wernono Family Take The Group Credit

 
This Do Was Well Covered

 
The Hip-Hop Song-winning Architects, Holy Dave & Eko Dydda

 
The Biggest Collabo In Kenya: Daddy Owen, Allan Aaron & Kerah

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