Nominees for the sixth edition of Groove Awards Rwanda. There are 23 categories. Unlike previous editions, this year’s edition, features new faces of promising artistes, and worship teams, mainly from upcountry. Also, this year’s edition of the awards will have a new format, whereby the winners will be determined by a panel of judges instead of the fans. Noel Nkundimana, chairperson of the panel of judges, said that this year’s change was meant to make the awards more inclusive and competitive. He explained that due to the fact that the public is not familiar with some new categories, it was preferred that the winners be determined by a panel of judges instead of the fans, as it has been in the past. Healing Drama team performs at the 2018 Groove Awards nomination night in Kigali. Photo by Frederic Byumvuhore. The awards aim at recognising the best performing personalities in the gospel music industry. This year’s awards are themed ‘Re-ignite and build’, to inspire partners in the gospel music industry to work together and develop it productively. The theme was drawn from Nehemiah 2:17-18. During the nomination event, gospel personalities observed a minute of silence to honor the deceased members of gospel industry, including, rapper Jonathan Gakunzi, who passed away last week and Sabine Mucyo, wife to Caleb Uwagaba, who passed away in October. Evans Mwendwa, aka DJ Spin, the head of Groove Awards Rwanda, appreciated the contribution of different stakeholders, towards the progress of Groove Awards Rwanda. The judges for this year’s edition include Noel Nkundimana, Jeannine Mukabacondo, commonly known as Mama Kenzo, Peace Nicodem Nzahoyankuye, and Issa Noël Kalinijabo who are all media practitioners. The winners will be announced on December 15. Below is the list of nominees: Male artiste of the year Bosco Nshuti Aime Uwimana Israel Mbonyi Serge Iyamuremye Arsene Tuyi Female artiste of year The Pink Tonzi Aline Gahongayire Diana Kamugisha Muganwa Assumpta Choir of the year Vuzimpanda choir Umugisha choir Ambassadors of Christ Ukuboko kw’iburyo 5. Shalom choir New artiste/new group of the Year Momo Diane Mucyo Emmy Payton Trinity worship team Babou Melo Ministry/group of the Year Alarm Ministries Gisubizo Ministries Upendo choir New Melody choir Healing Worship Team Song of the Year Ibasha gukora by Prosper Nkomezi Indahiro by Aime Uwimana ft Israel Mbonyi Ikidendeziby Ukuboko kw’iburyo Mwami icyo wavuzeby Healing worship team Turakomeyeby Alarm Ministries Nyabihangaby Shalom choir Worship song of the Year Binkoze ku mutimaby Danny Mutabazi Nakwiturikiby Bosco Nshuti Mwami icyo wavuze by Healing Worship Team Biramvura by Serge Iyamuremye Paid in Full by Asaph Worship Band HIP-hop song of the Year Agatama ka Yesuby Rev Kayumba Isoko by Elimax ft Olivier the legend Warakoze manaby One Family One Vision Intwaro z’imana by The Pink Narasogongeye by NPC Intwariby Shema Afro-Pop song of the Year Ndi mu rukundo by Emmy Payton You love meby The Pink ft Colombus & NPC Yari njyeweby Serge Iyamuremye Naganze remix by Colombus Inkovuby Freddy Don ft Olivier the Legend. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
