Salax Awards 2011: It’s D-day

ALL is set for the Salax Awards 2011 ceremony to be held at the Petit Stade in Remera, today, at 4p.m.The event, which is the brainchild of Ikirezi Group, is aimed at rewarding and motivating the outstanding musicians in the country.On music’s biggest night, the artistes are expected not to disappoint. Topping the performances will be Rwanda’s finest musicians, who are set to captivate revellers at the show, performing for a worthy cause.The interesting part about the show is that it brings an array of music genres from all the country’s corners on the same podium and that alone is a reflection of how far-flung the Ikirezi Group is in terms of motivating and supporting the music scene. “All is set for the Salax Awards and we are promising lots of surprises. There will be a lot of entertainment,” said Mike Karangwa, chairman of Ikirezi Group.Music fans should expect nothing short of great performances when the artistes go on stage to showcase their works.For once, music fans will have an opportunity to sample different musical genres -- all under one roof: It will be the first time that Abdul Makanyaga and Inganzo Ngari traditional dancers, will be performing at the Salax Awards. All the nominees will be driven in posh cars from Michael’s Den Hotel to a red carpet welcome at the Petit Stade.While many will regard it as one of the many shows that promoters normally hold, Saturday’s event is also a symbolic one, where secular and gospel musicians will be entertaining music fans.Although the two nominees, Lick Lick and Knowles, will not make it for the show, they will be represented by their friends or family.The entrance fee is Rwf2000 in the public seats and, Rwf10.000 in the VIP sections, with free airtime for everyone, courtesy of MTN.Organisers promise the Salax Awards 2011 will be a grand spectacle, with a bevy of local artists including Jozy featuring Kim Kizito, who will perform the official Salax Awards song as well as internationally renowned vocalist Cecile Kayirebwa. Regional acts Kidum and Eddie Kenzo are also expected to perform. Also planned are tributes in memory of the recently deceased Whitney Houston and Jean-Christophe Matata, who passed away on January 3, 2011. Karangwa said the winners of this fourth edition will receive more significant prizes than before.CategoriesThe awards, organized by Ikirezi Group Ltd, comprise of 14 categories, of which the main ones are “Best Male”, for which the nominees: King James, Jay Polly, and Riderman Kamichi, and “Best Female” Knowles, Miss Jojo, Paccy, and Young Grace battle it out. The honour for “Best Group” will go to Dream Boyz, Urban Boyz, Just Family, or TNP. “Best Video” to Warambeshye by Kamichi, Umfatiye runini by Urban Boyz ft Riderman, Bella by Dream Boyz ft Kitoko, and Inshuti by Danny ft Knowles.“Best Song”: Aho Ruzingiye by Kamichi, Bella by Dream Boyz ft Kitoko, Mumutashye by Dream Boyz ft Jay Polly, and Twanze Gutoberwa Amateka by Kizito Mihigo.“Best Audio Producer”: Lick Lick of Unlimited and The Focus, Clement Ishimwe of Kina Music, Junior of Line Up, and Pastor P of Narrow Road.“Best Video Producer”: Bernard of The Zone, Gilbert K of The Benjamin, Arnaud of Arnold Films, Meddy Saleh of Press It, and Pastor P of Narrow Road and Rafiki Records.“Best Hip Hop”: Jay Polly, Riderman, Danny, and Paccy. “Best Afrobeat”: Kitoko, Kamichi, Uncle Austin, and Rafiki. “Best RnB/Pop”: King James, Tom Close, Emmy, and Knowles. “Best New Artist”: Khizz Kizito, TNP, Christopher, and Jozy.“Best Gospel artist”: Dominic Nic, Aline Gahongayire, The Blessed Sisters, and Liliane Kabaganza. “Best Traditional Artist”: Inganzo Ngali, Jules Sentore, and Tuyisenge Indangamirwa.Initiated in 2009, the Salax Awards is given to artist or group who has made notable contributions to the music industry.

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Salax Awards 2011: It’s D-day