2018 AMI Awards Afrika: Ugandan artistes nominated

PIC: Stella Nantumbwe (right) addressing a press conference on the upcoming awards. (Credit: Reagan Ssempijja)

By Reagan Ssempijja

KAMPALA - Uganda is set to host the second edition of the 2018 AMI Awards Afrika later this month.

Ugandan artistes, including Juliana Kanyomozi, Eddy Kenzo and Bebe Cool are nominees for the March 24 continental event.

Stella Nantumbwe, the vice-president of the AMI Awards franchise for Uganda, said the event will honour African artistes, community leaders, political figures, dignitaries, celebrities and stars who are pioneers in the arts, music and fashion. 

"We are dedicated to the well-being, prosperity and preservation of the youth's communities and families everywhere around the world through our arts and cultures," she told a press conference in Kampala ahead of the ceremony.

Besides Uganda, other African member countries, such as Senegal, Namibia, South Africa and Kenya are also represented by country vice-presidents as well.

The event, which will be organised on an annual basis, started last year in the US, where African artistes were recognised for their work.

The franchise was started by Esaie Schnaps, a Congolese national, under the Schnaps Universe Inc. It looks to celebrate African music and recognise the best performers on the continent musically.

On top of Uganda being the host nation this time round, there is also local interest in the nominations: Sheebah Karungi and Juliana Kanyomozi for best female eastern artiste and Bebe Cool, Kenzo and Radio (RIP) and Weasel for best male eastern artiste.

Ykee Benda has been nominated for best male newcomer.

Other African nominees include Sauti Sol from Kenya, Sarkodie from Ghana, AKA from South Africa, Casper Nyovest from South Africa, Fally Ipupa from  DR Congo and Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania.

The categories were structured by regions in Africa: central, eastern, southern, western and northern.

Both male and female categories were further created from these regions.

Other categories include best newcomer for both female and male artistes in French and gospel fields of music, best African group, best DJ Africa, best song of the year, best video of the year, legendary artiste, best dancehall artist, best rap and best male and female Kizomba of the year.

The main event will take place at Kampala Serena Hotel. There will be performances by local and continental musicians.

Meanwhile, Nantumbwe revealed there will be fashion showcasing by different designers and a performance by a Ugandan dance group, Tabu Flo.

She added they have signed contracts with all the nominees and that the contracts are binding, meaning there will be no incidents of musicians not showing up.

The franchise has also given contracted Ugandan events organiser Fenon events to organise and manage the stage for the event.

After the event at Serena, the next awards show will be taken to Senegal.