Kenya receives 15 nominations in the 2019 Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)
By Mercy Adhiambo Oginga
Kenya has received 15 nominations in the 2019 AFRIMA Awards scheduled to take place between 20th and 23rd November in Accra, Ghana. The Kenyan nominees are among other prominent African music artists who’ve also received various nominations.
The youngest star, aged 17, on the list to receive a nomination is Nikita Kering. Together with Khaligraph Jones and Nyashinski, the three have received three nominations each, under different categories. Nyashinski is a veteran pop star while Khaligraph a rapper.
Nikita was nominated for her hit “Tragedy” song for “Africa’s Songwriter of the Year” Award. She’s competing alongside “Better than Just Fine” song by another Kenyan musician known as Olivia Ingasiani Ambani.
The nominee was also recognized as the “East Africa’s Best Female Artist” and the “African Continent Revelation” categories. She’s competing against Vanessa Mdee from Tanzania and Sho Madjozi from South Africa.
Khaligraph Jones and Nyashinski received nominations under the “Best African Rapper/Lyricist,” the “Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop,” and the “Best Male Artist in East Africa” categories. The two are competing against other top African artists such as Harmonize, Rayvanny and Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania, and Nasty C, a rapper form South Africa.
Sauti Sol, international superstars, were not left behind. They received nominations under two categories, the first being the “Best African Duo, Group or Band” for the song “Extravaganza.”
The song featured various artists such as Kaskazini, Crystal Asige and the storyteller, Bensoul Nyiiri. They also received a nomination for the song “African Sauce” under the “Album of the Year” category.
Other Kenyan musicians who received nominations for the AFRIMAs Awards include “Rash,” a Kenyan rock band. They received a nomination for the second time under the “Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Rock” category.
Artistes Judy Stevens and Olivia Ambani also received nominations for the “Best Female Artist, Duo or Group in African Inspirational Music” category.
Voting is expected to begin on September 1, 2019.
Africa Global News Publication
