Kenzo, still on involuntary lockdown in Cote d’Ivoire where he had gone to perform when President Museveni ordered all borders and Entebbe International airport closed, was given a reason to smile when he emerged one of the night’s big winners. After a week of begging Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga to plead his repatriation case with not much progress, Hipipo gave the Semyekozo singer reason to celebrate.
He scooped a continental best artiste award, as well as Artiste of the Year for Uganda. He also won Best Male artiste in Uganda. Big Trill, whose Parte After Parte rocked the world and its successful run was only cut short by Covid-19, won Africa Song of the Year and Best Hip Hop/Rap song in Uganda.
The song has been such a hit that it even featured in a number of newer Nollywood movies (including The Dumb Wife) as a soundtrack. Other happy winners as chosen by fans who have been voting online include Sheebah, John Blaq and Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz.
Strangely absent from the list are Bebe Cool, Feffe Bussi and APass, who had some great hits last year. The awards and music fans were also particularly harsh to female artistes this year, with not more than eight women recognised out of the 52 categories.
Complete list of Winners:
Africa
Africa’s Number One: Eddy Kenzo (Uganda)
Africa Song of The Year: Bigtril, Parte After Parte (Uganda)
Best Song, Francophone Africa: Innoss’B, Yope (DRC)
Best Song, Western Africa: Joeboy, Baby (Nigeria)
Best Song, Southern Africa: King Monada, Chuwana (South Africa)
Best Song, Northern/Arabic Africa: Mohamed Ramadan, Mafia
Fans Favourite Fresh Talent: Mbosso (Tanzania)
East Africa
Kenya Best Act: Otile Brown & Khaligraph Jones, Japo Kidogo
Tanzania Best Act: Diamond Platnumz, The One
Rwanda Best Act: Deejay Pius, Homba Homboka (High Heels)
Burundi Best Act: Natacha: Ufise Gute
East Africa Super Hit: Diamond Platnumz, The One (Tanzania)
Uganda
Artiste of The Year: Eddy Kenzo
Best Female Artiste: Sheebah
Best Male Artiste: Eddy Kenzo
Best Breakthrough Artiste: John Blaq
Best A-Cappella Group: Jehovah Shalom
Must-Watch Talent: Lydia Bless
Best DJ: DJ Slick Stuart & DJ Roja
Video of The Year: Kabako, Sabisubira
Song of The Year: John Blaq, Do Dat
Best Audio Producer: Producer Ronnie
Best Video Director: Nolton And George (NG Filmz)
Best Songwriter: Daddy Andre
Best Hip-Hop/Rap: Bigtril, Parte After Parte
Best Soul: Kenneth Mugabi, Oliwa
Best Ragga/Dancehall: Sheebah & Orezi, Sweet Sensation
Best Reggae: Fille & Voltage Music, Squeeze
Best Band Song: Chris Evans, Call Me
Best Contemporary Folksong: Da Agent & Betinah Fasie, Bamungamba
Best Kadongo Kamu: Kasule Cereste, Stress Free
Best Zouk: B2C & Rema, Gutujja
Best Afrobeat: John Blaq, Do Dat
Best Afropop: John Blaq, Ebyalagirwa
Best Social Message: David Lutalo, Ensi
Best School Act: Amasomero G’abazira Ba Cbs, Happy Birthday Ssaabasajja
Best Religious/Gospel Act: Levixone Ft. Timeless Noel, Chikibombe
Written Record Of The Year: Spice Diana & Ray G (Omusheshe)
Best Collabo: B2C & Rema, Gutujja
Best Choreography: Ghetto Kids Triplets
Best Song, Eastern: Irene Kayemba, Kankinemu
Best Song, Northern: Professor Maros, Med Mac
Best Song, Southern: Mayor Chris Johnz, Nkooye Obw’omu
Best Song, Western: Ray G, Weeshe
Best Cinematography/Editing: Martin Beta, Ogwo (Eddy Kenzo ft Wembly Mo Foundation)
Most Stylish Artiste: Fik Fameica
Best Rnb: Slick Stuart, DJ Roja ft. Allan Toniks, Sunday
Video Trailblazer: Masaka Kids Afrikana
Exceptional Young Act: Fresh Kid
Lifetime Achievement Award: Moses Matovu – Afrigo band
Producer of the Generation: Travis Kazibwe (Dr Tee)
Golden Medal of Honour: Gen. Salim Saleh