The fourth edition of Kiss Summer Awards was full of color, glamour and entertainment as people on Saturday, October 23, gathered at Kigali Arena to celebrate with their favorites at the award giving gala.

The annual awards are an initiative of Kiss FM, a Kigali-based entertainment radio station, recognises the best music artists and honor those who have been instrumental in changing Rwanda’s music space throughout the summer period.

Arthur Nkusi, who showed up at the gala alongside his wife and CNBC Africa news anchor Fiona Muthoni, was the the host of the event which has been taking place at the radio studio during the past three editions.

The event kicked off a few minutes past 8pm as celebrities walked down a red carpet with radio hosts Jeanne d’Arc Cyuzuzo and Joannah Keza Bagwire waiting on the other side to give them a welcome to the gala, the first entertainment event of its kind held at Kigali Arena since they were given a green light to resume after 18 months of chaos due to covid-19.

The Kiss Summer Awards have since 2018 been recognising the best songs, the best performing artists and producers, as well as acknowledging the accomplishments of individuals who were instrumental in advocating for the music industry.

As attendees, and of course awards contenders, were waiting to see who wins this year, a series of performances from the artistes who were nominated in this year’s awards were given a chance to entertain revelers in what proved how people, from both ends, really missed shows from public venues.

Bruce Melodie, Ariel Wayz and Juno Kizigenza, Confy, Social Mula and Phil Peter were among the key performers who graced the stage.

There were four prizes up for grabs, namely ‘Best New Summer Artist’, which is the only category with newcomers, ‘Best Summer Artist’, ‘Best Summer Producer’ and ‘Best Summer Song’.

A special prize dubbed ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, which is given to an individual who played a significant contribution to the development of Rwanda’s music industry over the years, was given to the late rapper Ja Polly to honor his resilient efforts in ensuring that Hip Hop wins the hearts of Rwandans through his music.

Fast-rising artiste Confy, whose songs ‘Jowana’, ‘Panga’ club banger ‘Igikwe’ft Gabiro, took home the award for the Best New Summer Artist’ beating Papa Cyangwe, Vestine & Dorcas, Symphony and Niyo Bosco to the prize.

Bruce Melodie was named overall Best Summer Artiste taking the top prize away from US-based musician Meddy, Juno Kizigenza, Knowless Butera and Social Mula.

Despite missing out on the Best Summer Artiste award, Meddy’s song ‘My Vow’ was named ‘Best Summer Song’ coming head of ‘Amata’, a collaboration of Social Mula and Phil Peter, Ariel Wayz and Juno Kizigenza’s ‘Away’, Bruce Melodie’s ‘Katapila’ and ‘Igikwe’, which is a collaboration of Gabiro Guitar and Confy.

On the other hand, the Best Summer Producer award went to Element who has been behind the majority of the hit songs dominating the airwaves. 

He beat Madebeats, Ayo Rash, Clement Ishimwe and Bob Pro to the award.