A range of Rwandan artists, on Sunday, walked home with awards recognising their talent over the last one year.

The event, ‘Ijoro ry’urukundo’ Awards, which also crowned the best sublimes and handsome boys for MTN’s placards, was organised by Aimable Kubana.

Serena Hotel, Kigali, was packed to capacity by people, who turned up for the music awards and the MTN beauty contest. The event started at 8pm - 1:34am.

Awards were issued out in various categories:  Hip-hop, R&B, Caller tune, Song, Film, Producer, Group, Female artist, and Promoter of R&B.
Fans voted online and through calls during Kubana’s midnight talk show ‘Ijoro ry’urukundo’ on City Radio.

The best artists walked away with trophies, return flight tickets to South Africa and hotel nights, courtesy of Rwandair.

Other sponsors included: MTN, Kigali Serena Hotel, Positive Production, Simba Supermarket, Alpha Palace Hotel, and Top Ceremony.

The five judges, who included Mike Karangwa, Lydia Umutoni and RTV’s renowned journalist Evelyn Umurerwa, selected six winners out of the 24 finalists.

Kate Bashabe was voted the winner, whereas Sandrine Agasaro and Patience Imfurayase emerged as 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.

And in the boys’ category, Sam Karamaga was crowned winner, with Christian Kubwimana and Juvenal Mujuralinda as the 1st and 2nd runners-up.

During the beauty competition, the contestants showed off in traditional, evening gowns and interview skills in a bid to impress a panel of judges.

Artists B-Gun, Jack B, The Brothers, Dream Boys, Tom Close, Faycal, Miss Jojo and Inganzo Ngari added ice on the cake as their individual thrilling performances did not fail to impress the crowd.

Speaking at the event, The Minister of Culture and Sports, Joseph Habineza, congratulated Kubana for the successful event. however, he urged event organisers to improve in time allocation for such functions.

"Time management is very important. Events should be as short as a mini shirt. Not too long to bore and not too brief to reveal; there people can be able to enjoy the show,” Habineza said.

He also urged contestants to learn how to express themselves and to develop the culture of confidence.

The Minister’s call came after various drama scenes during the interview sessions, when some contestants landed themselves into trouble by insisting on answering questions in the languages they were not fluent in.

"It’s not a crime to choose the language you understand better; it helps you to be able to express yourself very well”, the Minister said.

Ends