SHANEL, Dominique Ashimwe and Dr. Claude are in Nairobi, Kenya, where they are expected to perform along other East African artistes at the grand night of the East African Music Awards (EMAs) this Saturday.

The artistes left the country yesterday. Other Rwandan nominees are Liza Kamikazi, The Brothers, Gaby Irene Kamanzi and Just Family.

The EMAs seek to expose talent from participating countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Southern Sudan. The event is hailed as the first competitive and all inclusive music awards show in the region.

The judges, who are all music experts, were picked from all the eight entries. The four-hour event will be broadcast live in the eight countries.

The awards would be based on the following categories:

• Urban Contemporary
• Gospel
• Rhumba
• Folk / traditional
• Afro fusion

Awards in each category:
• Best Male
• Best Female
• Best Group
• Best Collaboration

Stand alone categories:
These will not be based on any particular category but will recognise the best overall as follows:
• Best Overall Collaboration
• Best Video
• Most Promising Artist
• Overall artist of the Year
• Overall Song of the Year
• Producer of the Year
• Album of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ends