SALAX Awards due Saturday

The fourth annual Rwandan music awards – 2011 SALAX Awards are taking place at the Petit Stade in Remera, this Saturday, After months of voting and stellar showcases, the winners in each of the fourteen categories are soon to be revealed.If you were nominated, get ready for the red carpet special treatment because this year’s ceremony is expected to be the best of its kind.The event is organised by Ikirezi Group Ltd and sponsored by MTN, among others.In anticipation of this year’s SALAX Awards, winners stand to receive prestigious prizes compared to the previous editions, Mike Karangwa, Chairman of Ikirezi Group Ltd told The New Times. The ceremony will be graced by various seasoned local musicians. Also expected to attend are music icons Cécile Kayirebwa and Burundi’s Kidumu, all the way from Kenya.Overall, the main categories will include Male Artiste of the Year, Female Artiste of the Year, Upcoming Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year and Traditional Artiste of the Year. This year’s awards will also see the addition of a Diaspora segment to the categories with awards for the Male/ Female Diaspora Artiste. SALAX Awards are intended to honour the most successful artistes in Rwanda’s music industry. The nominees are:Male Artiste of the YearKing James, Jay Polly, Riderman and Kamichi Female Artiste of the YearKnowles Miss, JoJo Paccy and Young GraceBest Group Dream Boys, Urban Boys, Just Family and TNP Best Hip-hop Artiste Jay Polly, Riderman, Danny, Nanone and Paccy Best AfrobeatKitoko, Kamichi, Uncle Austin and Rafiki R&B/Pop ArtisteKing James, Tom Close, Emmy and KnowlesUpcoming Artiste Khizz, TNP, Christopher and Jozy Gospel Artiste Dominic Nic, Aline Gahongayire, The Blessed Sisters and Liliane Kabaganza Audio Producer Lick lick (Unlimited Records & The Focus Production), Clement Ishimwe (Kina Music), Junior (Line-Up Studio & Bridge Records) and Pastor P (Narrow Road Studio & Rafiki Records) Video Director Bernard (The Zone), Gilbert K. (The Benjamins), Arnauld (Arnold Films) and Meddy Saleh (Press it) Best Song “Aho ruzingiye” by Kamichi, “Bella” by Dream Boys feat. Kitoko, “Mumutashye” by Dream Boys feat. Jay Polly and “Twanze gutoberwa amateka” by Kizito Mihigo. Traditional Artiste Inganzo ngari, Jules Sentore, Tuyisenge and Indangamirwa Best Video Clip “Warambeshye” by Kamichi, “Umfatiye runini” by Urban Boys, “Bella” by Dream Boys feat. Kitoko, and “Inshuti” by Danny feat. Knowles Best Album“Umuvandimwe” by King James, “Umugabirwa” by Kamishi “Igicaniro” by Riderman and “Iwacu” by Jay Polly.

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SALAX Awards due Saturday