Groove Awards 2015 gala was a colourful affair

The third edition of Groove awards Rwanda held at Kigali Serena hotel on Sunday was a colourful night of amazing gospel music performances.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Francis Byaruhanga

The Blessing Family pose for a photo. (Courtesy photos)

The third edition of Groove awards Rwanda held at Kigali Serena hotel on Sunday was a colourful night of amazing gospel music performances.

The show started at 5pm – with Nigerian comedian Dr Ofweneke and renowned local gospel singer, Aline Gahongayire, taking to the stage as emcees.

(L-R) Patient Bizimana and Israel Mbonyi were also awarded.

The biggest performance of the night was delivered by Patient Bizimana. He brought down the house with his famous track Ubwo buntu, which put revellers into spiritual mood as they cheered and sang along. Bizimana was followed by the Shekinah dancers, who also rocked the crowd with their energetic dance performances.

Fashion took centre stage at this year’s Groove awards, with different artistes and gospel music fans gracing the event. The awards ceremony was organized by Moriah entertainment group.

Miss Rwanda 2015, Doriane Kundwa graced the ceremony.

The ultimate moment came when winners in different categories were unveiled. However, the one who stood out is singer Israel Mbonye after bagging two awards – as Male Artiste of the Year and Best producer of the Year.

Secular artistes too were present to offer support to their gospel counterparts. Miss Rwanda 2015, Doriane Kundwa also graced the event.

If you missed the spectacle, check out the complete list of winners below. Did your favorite local gospel artistes go home with any accolades?

MTN's Alain Numa (L) was among guests at the awards ceremony.

Best Hip Hop song of the year: Yarabirangije by Willy Karuta

Best Radio Show of the year: Ten Gospel show (Radio 10)

Best Christian website of the year: gusenga.org

Best Audio Producer of the year: Bruce Higiro

Best Worship song of the year: Jehovah by Janvier Kayitana

Best Video of the year: This is my time by Phanny Wibabara

Best Radio Presenter of the year: Espoir Byishimo (Sana Radio)

Best Dance group of the year: The Blessing Family

Best Choir of the year: Alarm Ministries

Best Writer of the year: Israel Mbonyi

Best New Artist of the year: Janvier Muhoza

Best Song of the year: Nimetosheka by Heman worshipers International

The Most downloaded CallerTune: Arangose by Patient Bizimana

Best Diaspora artist of the year: Olivier Nzaramba

Outstanding Contributor: Radio Umucyo.

Best Female artist of the year: Diana Kamugisha

Best Male Artist of the year: Israel Mbonyi

Willy Karuta scooped the best Hip-hop song of the year award.

Radio Sana's Espoir Byishimo accepts his award as the best gospel journalist of the year.

Diana Kamugisha shows off her best female artist of the year award.

Gospel singer Aline Gahongayire was the MC.