Regional gospel artists, Rwandans included, are warming up for the annual Groove Awards.

The fifth edition of the Groove Awards is being organised by Skiza. Nominations officially started on February 24, with various gospel artists submitting their entries.

The main event is slated for May 1—at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

Since its introduction in 2004, over 600 solo gospel artists and groups have been nominated, and over 100 Groove statuettes presented to musicians in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. However, the 2010 Groove Awards will include gospel artists from all the member states of the East African Community.

The Groove Awards have attracted over 4,000 attendees, and have every year offered something different. The 2009 awards were broadcasted live on NTV and DSTV for the regional audience.

Some of Groove Award’s objectives is to; promote and connect gospel artists across Africa, open doors for upcoming aspiring singers, songwriters and musicians, as well as raise the standards in the music industry.

SKIZA is a service from Safaricom, which allows callers to listen to music while waiting for a an answer.

Meanwhile, a panel of 13 judges has been selected from the region for the Groove Awards.

Division I

1. Male artist of the year
2. Female artist of the year
3. Group of the year
4. New artist/ group of the year

Division II

1. Song of the year
2. Worship song of the year
3. Album of the year
4. Hip-hop song of the year

Division III

1. Audio producer of the year
2. Video producer of the year
3. Song writer of the year
4. Video of the year

Division IV

1. Collaboration of the year
2. Dance group of the year
3. Worship team/choir
4. Live band of the year

East Africa Region

1. Artist of the year (Rwandan)
2. Artist of the year (Ugandan)
3. Artist of the year (Tanzania)
4. Artist of the year (Burundi)
5. Diaspora artist/group of the year (E.A)

Ends