Since the origin of Groove awards in 2004, the renowned gospel music event has been able to set a name for itself as one of Kenya’s most anticipated annual events. Over 1000 artists/groups have been nominated and 240 groove statuettes presented to gospel musicians in Kenya and around Africa with the list growing bigger and better each year.
This year, East Africa’s premier gospel music event; Groove Awards, is back again with the countrywide tour kicking off at Machakos on the 1st of May. Hundreds of people could be seen trickling in to the infamous Machakos People’s Park, and in the first two hours, were able to fill up the event space as they anxiously awaited for the chance to enjoy electrifying performances from various celebrated gospel artists.
This year’s theme ‘Come As You Are’ focuses on how people should go to God as they are; harnessing the power of music to remind people of God’s love and forgiveness. It also encourages unity in the face of division that threatens to divide the nation.
The tour is set to recognize and appreciate gospel artists in the country. It will also help the nominated artists to get a chance to entertain their fans and also seek votes for the much awaited Groove Awards that is slated for 1st June 2016. The event has no doubt ultimately grown in great leaps and is currently one of the most prominent events in the entertainment sector not just in Kenya but in Africa as well.
Some of the artists that had the chance to grace the stage were
- Mash Mwana – New Artist of the Year nominee
- Eko Dydda – Nominated for Male Artist of the Year, Hiphop Song of the Year and Video of the Year
- Christ Cycoz – Group of the year nominees
- Gloria Muliro – Nominated for Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year
- Eunice Njeri – Nominated for Female Artist of the year alongside Gloria Muliro, Evelyn Wanjiru, Janet Otieno, Mercy Masika and Size 8 & Worship song of the year
At the event, fans were also treated to incredible performances from some of their local talents that include Stephen Kasolo and Pst. Dan Mutemi. You could clearly see the excitement on the crowds faces as they sang along and danced to their tunes. This not only gave the artists from the Eastern region a chance to interact with their fans and seek votes; they also got a very unique opportunity to not only showcase their ministry through song but were also able to interact with other artists as well.
The voting period is ongoing and fans can vote for their favorite artists either by text message; by dialing *811# or visiting the website. Users can vote as many times as possible and voting ends on the 31st of May 2016.
Groove awards also continues to enjoy lasting partnership with the country’s leading telecommunication firm, Safaricom, which has been the events main sponsor for almost 9 years now. Those who attended the event got a chance to win goodies like free airtime from Safaricom ranging from Kshs 100 to Kshs 500 and colorful Groove awards t-shirts as well.
The tour dates for the rest of the Groove awards tour include:
8th May: Narok at the Maasai Mara University.
15th May: Kisii at the Gusii stadium.
22nd May: Mombasa at the Butterfly Pavilion.
29th May: Karatina at the Karatina stadium.
If you would like to see more images check out Dann Mchoraji’s Facebook page.
