Rwandan Rn’B sensation Tom close was Friday night crowned Rwanda’s best Musician of the year 2008. This was during the SALAX Awards organized by the National University of Rwanda (NUR) through Radio Salus 97.0fm.

To take home the Award, Tom Close had to beat fellow male compatriots Rafiki, Mani Martin, Riderman, and Fulgence in the best male category.

"This award is for my fans, my family, manager and above all the Almighty God. I would not be this successful without them,” said Tom Close in an exclusive interview he had with the Sunday Times after receiving the Award.

The event, held in the NUR’s Grand Auditorium in front of a mammoth crowd of over 2500 music supporters was the first of its kind in Rwanda.

The Minister of Culture and Sports Joseph Habineza was there to witness this big step in the history of Rwandan music. He thanked the organisers of the event and also promised to give it more support next time.

"This is a good initiative that the Ministry should take over and develop for the sake of developing local talents. We shall definitely support you next year,” he pledged.

Despite taking the best musician award, Tom Close was beaten by his young brother Ben in the best RnB/pop category. Ben had to fight off stiff competition from Maurix, MC Fab and Tom Close.

Rwandan king of dance, Ganza, was there to give the crowd something to cheer at, so were the performances by Kitoko, Dr Claude and Rafiki of the Coga style fame. Surprisingly Rafiki did not take any award home despite his countrywide popularity.

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