Rewarding the best: That time of the year when gospel artistes shine is here. 2015 was no doubt a good year for some in the industry and come tomorrow, the best will be rewarded, Isaac Ssejjombwe writes.
Every sector in the music industry has its way of rewarding hardworking people and for the gospel fraternity, the Victoria Gospel Academy (VIGA) awards are one thing to look forward to every year.
For a while now, the public has been voting for their favourite artistes in the various prestigious VIGA awards slated for tomorrow at Imperial Royale Hotel, starting at 4pm
With the theme Linking Generations, Transforming Lives, the fourth edition of the annual awards will reward singers, producers, technical teams and more, across genres and religious denominations.
This year’s event will also feature a special launch of the book, Chronicles ’90 – ’10, a timeless souvenir on the developments and key players in Uganda’s gospel music industry since independence, particularly the period 1990-2010, the golden era of gospel music, and the genesis of the VIGA Gospel Music Awards.
According to Prince Nicholas Nyombi, the VIGA CEO, The awards climax is always a prestigious red carpet gala that showcases some of the exceptional local gospel acts in the year and tomorrow’s edition is set to come with lots of new and exciting aspects.
“Besides the launch of Chronicles ’90-’10, which will be a link to all generations that bridges the key developments and players in the gospel music industry since independence to date, and transforming lives, in that all proceeds from the event and book sales will go towards setting up the VIGA media and resource centre. This will provide mentorship to gospel artistes and the general public in various fields, including entrepreneurship, IT, media and music training, financial and business literacy, among others. We also plan to publish a magazine with profiles of the nominees, voting guidelines, and some industry news,” Nyombi said.
Entrance will be Shs30,000 from the previous 50,000 for ordinary and Shs75,000 from Shs100,000 for VIP.
Some of those nominated
• Best male artiste: Wilson Bugembe, Coopybly, Levixone.
• Best Female artiste: Judith Babirye, Julie Mutesasira, Joy Tendo, Betty Nakibuuka, Jackie Ssenyonjo, Olivia Muwumba, Hawa Musa.
• Levixone nominated under four categories;
Reggae Category – Levixone, Taylor & Jay I/Black Or White
Afropop/Beat; Kwaito- Levixone&S.O.C/Mukutu
Collaboration song,- Levixone,Taylor & Jay I/Black Or White
Male artist of the year.
