Bizimana scoops most awards in Groove awards

Sunday was a memorable day for gospel artiste Patient Bizimana, as he walked away with three awards in the first ever prestigious gospel awards event “Groove awards,” held in Rwanda at Gikondo Expo grounds. The event recognises outstanding gospel personalities in the country.Bizimana scooped three awards in the category of best male gospel artiste of the year award, and his famous Menyeneza song was voted best worship song of the year and also best song of the year. The nominees were chauffeured in a limo to the venue and were given a red carpet treat. The event started at 5pm, with performances from Hype Gudda from Kenya and dancers.Revellers were also entertained by Kenyan comedian Erick Omondi, who left many with rib cracking laughter.This was followed by unveiling of the winners by Twahirwa Aimable, one of the judges.Gloria Uwamahoro was the first to be awarded as the best upcoming artiste of the year, before paving way for Hype Gudda to do what he does best on stage.Jean-Claude Ndayishimiye was awarded best radio presenter while Gabby Irene Kamanzi walked away with the award for best female artiste of the year, beating Lilliane Kabaganza, Aline Gahongayire, Tonzi and Goreth Uzamukunda.The event was hyped by energetic performances by Dj Kweye Beat from Kenya. He was followed by local artistes Gaby Kamanzi and Beauty for Ashes, among others.Other winners in the respective categories include;Best Audio Producer of the year- Dj FoloBest Video of the year: Ntararenga Inkombe- Olivier RoyBest Gospel Radio show of the year- Umuhanzi wu cyumweru_ Authentic RadioBest choir of the year- Alarmes MinistriesBest dance group of the year- Asaph Drama TeamBest website of the year- Ubugingo.comDiaspora Artistes of the year-Pastor Aman StephenPeople’s reactions about the awards:Emma Mugisha, a resident of Nyamirambo said that the whole gig was not fair because most of the people awarded were coming from Zion Temple. “Every one wanted Simon Kabera to win something but he didn’t. I think the voting process was not fair.”Innocent Havugimana, a resident of Magerwa said the event was well organised, though he said some people did not deserve to be awarded.“The Iriba choir from Butare should have won the best choir of the year but they did not consider other people who are far from Kigali this implies the awards were meant for Kigali people yet it aims at improving gospel music in the country.”Elizabeth Mukamazimaka was happy about the whole event. She said the whole ceremony was fair and was a good gesture in inspiring gospel artistes in the country to even work harder.“This is a good initiative and I would be glad if it is organised annually.”Nichole Uwimana, a born again Christian from Restoration church in Gikondo was excited to have attended such an event. “It was really nice and it was my first time to attend an event of this kind. For the awards at first it was a Zion Temple affair but later even a few people from other churches won some awards which I think was fair.”

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Bizimana scoops most awards in Groove awards