Groove Awards launched in Rwanda

After eight successful years operating in Kenya, Groove gospel awards organisers have stretched their wings to Rwanda. The Rwanda chapter of the Awards was officially launched on Wednesday at Kigali Serena hotel. The awards promote and recognise the artistes, writers and industry players for their contribution towards the East African gospel music industry. Rwandan gospel artistes can submit their entries online to enter this year’s competition. Rwanda will be hosting the awards event for the first time, and it will be the fourth time Rwandan gospel musicians are participating.Joy Wachira, the manager of Groove Awards, said this is an opportunity for all Rwandan gospel artistes to participate in the competition.“We found out that it was a big challenge and costly for Rwandans to travel to Kenya. Launching in Rwanda could solve the problem and I think it will lead to an increase in the number of participants,” she saidOnline nominations for 2013 started on August 14 and the deadline for submissions is September 1. The 16 categories will be announced at yet another gathering on September 15. Rwanda first participated in Groove Awards in 2010. The Blessed Sisters, Eddie Mico and Alphonse Bahati are the previous winners of ‘Best Rwandan Gospel Artiste’. A panel of eight judges was selected from Rwanda to carry out the nominations.The categories: Male artiste of the year Female artiste of the year Radio presenter of the year Song of the year Video of the year Choir of the year Song Writer of the yearDance group of the year Gospel group of the year Worship song of the year Audio producer of the year Hip-Hop song of the year Diaspora artist/group of the year (E.A)Christian website of the year Outstanding contributor of theGospel radio show of the year New artist/Group of the year

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Groove Awards launched in Rwanda