The prestigious African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) ceremony went down on October 26th in Dallas, Texas, an event that saw many artistes step out dressed elegantly, to take home prestigious awards.
Ommy Dimpoz scooped the Best Male Artiste in East Africa, beating Diamond Platnumz, Alikiba, Harmonize, Juma Jux, Ommy Dimpoz, Rayvanny, Khaligraph Jones, Eddy Kenzo and The Ben.
Awards for the Best Female artiste in East Africa went to singer Esther Akoth AKA Akothee. Others celebrates artistes who were nominated in the same category include: Vinka (Uganda), Victoria Kimani (Kenya), Nandy (Tanzania), Sheebah Karungi (Uganda), Fena Gitu (Kenya) Knowles Buteta (Rwanda), Rema Namakula (Uganda) and Juliana Kanyamozi (Uganda).
Radio Citizen’s Mzazi Willy M. Tuva beat stiff competition to emerge Radio/TV personality of the year. Others on the list were Lil Ommy (Tnzania), Dj Fresh (South Africa), Sammy Forson (Ghana), James Onne (Uganda), Konnie Toure (Ivory Coast) Jamal Gaddafi (Kenya), Yaw (Nigeria), DO2dtun (Nigeria) and Afonso Quintas (Angola).
The Best African Group award went to Toofan, a togolese music group comprised of Barabas and Masta who sing a combination of Rap and urban music. They were battling with Sauti Sol (Kenya), B269 (Angola). R2bees (Ghana), Navy Kenzo (Tanzania), Umu obiligbo (Nigeria), Forca Suprema(Angola), Baracket (Nigeria), Black Motion (South Africa) and 4KEUS (Congo).
The Best Rap act went to Phyno from Nigeria, who beat, Olamide (Nigeria), Falz (Nigeria), Sarkodie (Ghana), Tha Dogg (Namibia), Casper Nyovest (South Africa), Zlatan Ibile (Nigeria), Nasty C (South Africa), Khaligraph Jones (Kenya) and Medikal (Ghana)
The Song of the year was – ‘Killing Dem’ featuring Zlatan Ibile and Burna Boy, both from Nigeria. Others songs that were also nominated for the award include: Dumebi (Rema), Skeleton Move (Master KG FT Zanda Zakuza), Katchua (Ya levis), Fever (Wizkid), Inama (Diamond Platnumz ft Fally Ipupa), Rosalina Remix (BM ft Awilo Longomba) On the low (Burna boy), Pookie (Aya Nakamura) and My level by Shatta Wale.
DJ Poison Ivy who has been ruling the airwaves, serving a fine blend of timeless music and sizzling hits won the best African DJ USA . Other contestants were: DJ Tunez (Nigeria), Dj Fully Focus (Kenya), DJ Silent Kiiila (Caribbean), Dj Mekzy /9Nigeria), Dj Shinski (Kenya), DJ Rell (Sierra Leone), Dj Freshyb K (Nigeria), DJ Nana B (Ghana) and Dj Moh (Ivory Coast).
Best Male artiste in Central Africa went to Fally Ipupa from Congo. Other nominees were, C4 Pedro (Uganda), Ya Levis (Congo), Preto Show (Angola), Naza(Congo) Dadju (Congo), Matia Damasio (Angola) Salatiel (Cameroon) and Anselmo Ralph (Angola).
The Best Newcomer award went to Rema, a Nigerian rapper who rose to fame after releasing ‘iron man’ which appeared on Barack Obama's 2019 summer playlist. Others who were nominated in the same category include: Kwesi Arthur(Ghana), our very own Naiboi (Kenya), Zlatan Ibile (Nigeria), Ya Levis (Congo), Fireboy DML (Nigeria), Rui Orlando (Angola), Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde), Gaz Mawete (Congo) and Sho Madjozi (South Africa).
Burna Boy bagged the Artist of the year award beating Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Fally Ipupa (Congo), BlacknCoffee (South Africa), Busiswa (South Africa), Aya Nakamaura (France/Mali) Wizkid (Nigeria), Sarkodie (Ghana) and Yemi Alade (Nigeria).
Mombasa Governor, Ali Hassan Joho won a community leadership award at the just concluded ceremony.
The best live act award went to WCB Boss, Diamond Platnumz beating flavor (Nigeria) Ali Kiba (Tanzania), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Stonebwoy (Ghana), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Becca (Ghana), Burna Boy (Nigeria) and Fally Ipupa (Congo).
Other winners were Izzie Odigie, the Best African Dancer, Burna Boy, Best male west Africa and Music producer of the year award went to kel P.