The 2010 Groove Awards with Skiza which sought to promote, expose and celebrate gospel talent across the East African region has finally concluded.

The event saw Rwanda’s gospel musical group ‘The Sister’, emerging the ‘Best Artist of The Year’ in Rwanda.

Irene Gabby Kamanzi, who represented The Sisters, said that she appreciates the public for their votes.

"I’m speechless. On behalf of our group, allow me to thank all for your efforts to vote,” Kamanzi said.

Phanny Gisele Wibabara and Aline Gahongayire (of The Sister) were unable to attend the grand finale after they lost their sister—Uwitonze Clementine (Miss Tonzi) also missed the event because of her pregnancy, which could not favour her to travel by road to Nairobi.

The awards ceremony, which is alleged to have attracted numerous people, especially Christians from different parts of the region, took place yesterday Sunday May 1st at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).

The fete kicked off at 2:30 p.m (1:30 p.m local time) with Kenya’s national anthem in honour of the event.

Thereafter, Kenya’s renowned gospel artist, Esther Wahome hit the stage and graced the attendees with her praise gospel track "Kuna Dawa”.

MCs later presented the awards in their different categories, and each country was represented.

The panel was composed of 13 judges from the region. 2010 Groove Awards’ grand finale was broadcasted live on NTV and DSTV for the regional audience, and it was mainly sponsored by Safaricom and NTV.

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