SALAX Awards 2010

Tom Close, Miss JoJo emerged winners at the 2010. The grand finale show of SALAX Awards 2010 was marked with superb performances last Friday by some of the country’s finest music stars. Tom Close and Miss JoJo emerged the best artists of the year in the male and female categories, respectively, each taking home a trophy and decorder courtesy of Star Times. Ikirezi Group organized the event that took place at a jam-packed Expo Ground in Gikondo. The host for this year was Lion Imanzi, a seasoned and talented MC. The surprise act of the evening was Dream Boys’ performance. Backed by Kitoko, the trio clad in black jeans matched with black shirts. They took to the stage and belted out the soulful love ballad ‘Bella’, as ecstatic fans watched excitedly. Diplomate and Pacson also brought the house down with great collaborations. In his trademark comical style, Kamichi crooned and kept fans on their feet. Songbird Knowles confirmed why she is the best newcomer , as she poured her heart with her renditions of ‘Byarakomeye’ and ‘Byemere’ featuring Ugandan artist Vampino. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports, Protais Mitali, appreciated Ikirezi Group for organising the music awards. The Minister noted that the ministry was planning to organise similar competitions to boost the music scene.Mike Karangwa, an official from Ikirezi Group said that Rwandan music would never progress without Rwandan’s support to artists. He encouraged investors and corporate companies to invest in Rwandan music industry. Meanwhile, tension heightened when Imanzi officially announced the best artists/groups in their respective categories. SALAX Awards 2010 winners in full: Song of the Year – ‘Zoubeda’ (Kamichi featuring The Ben)Best Album – ‘Impinduramatwara’ (Riderman)Best Group – Dream BoysBest Gospel Artist – Dominic NicBest Hip-Hop Artist – Jay PollyBest R&B singer – King James Best Teen Artist –Young GraceBest Afrobeat Artist – KamichiNew Artist of the Year –KnowlesBest Producer – Lick LickBest Video –‘Baza’ (Tom Close)Best East African Artist/Group – GoodLyfe (Uganda)Male Artist of the Year – Tom Close Female Artist of the Year – Miss JoJo The SALAX Awards were established in 2009. Besides Star Times, other sponsors included MINISPOC, CNJR and the ‘East African Party’, among others. Ends

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SALAX Awards 2010