Who will walk away with an award?
Nov 02, 2007
LAST year, he led with seven nominations, this year Bobi Wine leads with eight. Bebe Cool follows with six, while Ronald Mayinja, previously an underdog, has five. Jose Chameleone, known for distancing himself from the awards, has four, as does songbird Juliana Kanyomozi.
LAST year, he led with seven nominations, this year Bobi Wine leads with eight. Bebe Cool follows with six, while Ronald Mayinja, previously an underdog, has five. Jose Chameleone, known for distancing himself from the awards, has four, as does songbird Juliana Kanyomozi.
New acts Sophie Nantongo and Clever J each have three whereas like the majority, Iryn Namiburu has two. The pertinent question now is who is winning at the fifth edition of the Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) Awards at Lugogo Cricket Oval tomorrow. Jude Katende predicts
Best Hip-hop single: The real battle is between Art of War (Lyrical G) and Paka Last (Rocky Giant). Lyrical G has virtually won almost everything there is to win from this category, but Rocky Giant usually comes close and a win this time will not be surprising.
Best Afrobeat single: With Bafudde (Bebe Cool), Kiwani (Bobi Wine), Kola Zizo (Jose Chameleone), and Manzi Wa Nani (Clever J) nominated, this race is quite tight, but I see Bobi Wine taking it.
Best Afrobeat artiste/group: Bobi Wine, Clever J, Jose Chameleone and Tool Man. The latter has enjoyed fame this year with Kisumuluzo, but awards usually go to more popular people because they stick in voters’ minds.
Best Gospel single: Kanyimbe (Juliana Kanyomozi) and Mukama Njagala Kumanya (Wilson Bugembe) are favourites, but the latter has been infectious. I do not see Kanyimbe upstaging it.
Best Gospel artiste/group: Wilson Bugembe should be able to win this one despite Betty Namaganda, and Judith Babirye’s popularity.
Best Cultural artiste/group: Annet Nandujja and Percusssion Discussion have in the past dominated this slot. However, Araali Moses Kigambo has also been working hard this year, despite being new on the scene. With Percussion Discussion having nothing really new this year, the battle should be between Kigambo and Nandujja.
Best Folkpop artiste/group: Doris Mutahunga, Geo Bless, Orchestral Group and Tom Boy. Anyone can win although Mutahunga seems the favourite.
Best Kadongo Kamu single: Abasitimila Emele (Dr. Fred Ssebale), Bizibu Family, (Mathias Walukaga), Ekyedalu (Gerald Kiweewa), Omuzimu Gwa Nankya (Mercy Clow). Although Ssebale has resurrected from obscurity having rocked this genre in the past, Walukaga, who won twice last year, is a favourite again.
Best Kadongo Kamu artiste/group: Doreen Mutibwa, Dr. Fred Ssebale, Gerald Kiweewa, Mathias Walukaga. Walukaga win again, but Kiweewa is also a favourite although Mutibwa may emerge as a surprise winner in her first-ever nomination.
Best Ragga artiste/group: Bebe Cool, Bobi Wine, Peter Miles and Ragga Dee. The problem with this category is that in the past, some artistes won by default! But Miles is the true Ragga artiste. He should be able to repeat last year’s feat tomorrow if voters are sincere.
Best Reggae artiste/group:
Bebe Cool has in the past dominated this slot. But Kid Fox, Maddox Sematimba and Henry Tigan have been equally good this year. However, Sematimba’s absence from local shows to promote his music might cost him the award. That leaves it to new comers Tigan and Fox.
Best R&B single: Jukira (Obsessions), Ginkese (Qute Kaye), Ndibeera Nawe (BLU*3), Yooyo (Michael Ross). In all honesty, BLU*3 and Ross should be the contenders, but Qute Kaye might. If he does not, BLU*3 will edge Ross.
Best R&B artist/group: BLU*3, Michael Ross, Iryn Namubiru and Juliana Kanyomozi. Voters have a way of being sympathetic and by virtue of this, anyone can win here because it is a tight race. However, favourites should be Kanyomozi and BLU*3.
Best Live band:
Misty Jazz Band playing mainly for corporate crowds and Trends Band not that popular, the race is between Eagles Productions and Jeckacki Band. Eagles’ massive popularity might see them claim it with ease despite Jeckacki’s emerging presence.
Best Live band single:
Africa (Ronald Mayinja), Yeggwe (Haruna Mubiru), Kaleke Kasome (Jeckaki Band) and Mama (Mariam Ndagire). They are all lovely songs with deep messages but voters might be swayed by the messages in Africa and Kaleke Kasome.
Northern artiste of the year:
B’FFAL, Bosmic Otim, BSG Labongo and Dogman. Labongo, Otim and Dogman are favourites because B’FFAL is new. But Dogman and Otim should be one to put one’s money on.
Western artiste of the year:
Agatha Kafoko, Doris Mutahunga, Moses Kigambo Araali and Ogaba Okufu are all strong contenders, but the race should be between Kafoko and Araali, whose cultural dress and music has won him a legion of fans.
Eastern artiste of the year:
Ayub Khan, Iddi Masaba, Kalikwani and Phillip Emuli. The latter might take it because his songs are more popular than Kalikwani’s.
Audio producer of the year:
Steve Jean, Henry Kiwuuwa, Tony Houls and Washington Ebangit have all been busy this year. Although Jean has consistently won this award, this might be different this year, with the race being between his brother, Kiwuuwa and Houls.
Best Female artiste:
This is usually a hot category. Sophie Nantongo and Juliana Kanyomozi should be the favourites here. But do not be surprised if Iryn Namubiru takes it.
Best Male artiste:
Although this is as tight as the female’s, Ronald Mayinja and Bobi Wine are favourites. My prediction is that Mayinja might take it. The recent issues of plagiarism could cost Wine the award.
Artiste of the year:
Bebe Cool, Bobi Wine, Ronald Mayinja and Sophie Nantongo. We have consistently reminded you that Nantongo, a lone female contender is the first in the awards history to appear here. What remains to be seen is whether she will pull a fast one on the guys who also deserve it. However, Mayinja and Wine are still favorurites to win.
Song of the year:
Kiwani (Bobi Wine), Africa (Ronald Mayinja), Kiba Kibi (Sweet Kid & Bebe Cool) and Mazongoto (Hilderman) have all dominated the airwaves this year but Hilderman might surprise us all. Should he fail, Mayinja or Wine will take it. Good as it is, I don’t see Kiba Kibi winning.
Video of the year: Abalungi Balumya (Bobi Wine and Nubian Li), Burrn (BLU*3), Ekyedalu (Gerald Kiweewa) and Kanyimbe (Juliana Kanyomozi). With Abalungi Balumya under scrutiny, Kanyimbe is a clear favourite.
Best New Artiste:
Clever J, Henry Tigan, Qute Kaye and Ronnie Banton. Having won the best hip-hop single, Mother Africa, alongside Hip Hop All Stars, for which he sang the chorus, Qute Kaye is not entirely new. For all Kawuna’s success, Banton will be lucky to go past Tigan and Clever J whose songs have been bigger. Tigan might take it although Clever J’s poplarity is hard to ignore. Unlike at previous editions, the Best New Artiste will receive a recording contract with Abbey Road Studios in the UK.
Songwriter of the year: With this category, popularity counts for a lot. Therefore, Silver Kyagulani may scoop Dennis Rackla, Dr. Tee and Oscar Muwonge.
Album of the year: Amaggwa (Sophie Nantongo), Kiwani (Bobi Wine), Sivyo Ndivyo (Jose Chameleone) and Ssente (Ronald Mayinja). If Wine’s problems with plagiarism do not dog him, he could win it, but Ssente is also a very likely winner. However, a win from Nantongo or Chameleone should not be surprising.
Lifetime achievement award (chosen by the PAM Awards committee and approved by the panel of judges):
Fallen prince Paul Job Kafeero is a favourite.
Each winner will receive sh1m and a crystal accolade. The Best Male and Female artiste will each bag sh3.5m, while the Best New Artiste will get sh10m.
Due to the many categories, 13 winners will be read out and will grace the stage to pick their prizes at the same time.
New acts Sophie Nantongo and Clever J each have three whereas like the majority, Iryn Namiburu has two. The pertinent question now is who is winning at the fifth edition of the Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) Awards at Lugogo Cricket Oval tomorrow. Jude Katende predicts
Best Hip-hop single: The real battle is between Art of War (Lyrical G) and Paka Last (Rocky Giant). Lyrical G has virtually won almost everything there is to win from this category, but Rocky Giant usually comes close and a win this time will not be surprising.
Best Afrobeat single: With Bafudde (Bebe Cool), Kiwani (Bobi Wine), Kola Zizo (Jose Chameleone), and Manzi Wa Nani (Clever J) nominated, this race is quite tight, but I see Bobi Wine taking it.
Best Afrobeat artiste/group: Bobi Wine, Clever J, Jose Chameleone and Tool Man. The latter has enjoyed fame this year with Kisumuluzo, but awards usually go to more popular people because they stick in voters’ minds.
Best Gospel single: Kanyimbe (Juliana Kanyomozi) and Mukama Njagala Kumanya (Wilson Bugembe) are favourites, but the latter has been infectious. I do not see Kanyimbe upstaging it.
Best Gospel artiste/group: Wilson Bugembe should be able to win this one despite Betty Namaganda, and Judith Babirye’s popularity.
Best Cultural artiste/group: Annet Nandujja and Percusssion Discussion have in the past dominated this slot. However, Araali Moses Kigambo has also been working hard this year, despite being new on the scene. With Percussion Discussion having nothing really new this year, the battle should be between Kigambo and Nandujja.
Best Folkpop artiste/group: Doris Mutahunga, Geo Bless, Orchestral Group and Tom Boy. Anyone can win although Mutahunga seems the favourite.
Best Kadongo Kamu single: Abasitimila Emele (Dr. Fred Ssebale), Bizibu Family, (Mathias Walukaga), Ekyedalu (Gerald Kiweewa), Omuzimu Gwa Nankya (Mercy Clow). Although Ssebale has resurrected from obscurity having rocked this genre in the past, Walukaga, who won twice last year, is a favourite again.
Best Kadongo Kamu artiste/group: Doreen Mutibwa, Dr. Fred Ssebale, Gerald Kiweewa, Mathias Walukaga. Walukaga win again, but Kiweewa is also a favourite although Mutibwa may emerge as a surprise winner in her first-ever nomination.
Best Ragga artiste/group: Bebe Cool, Bobi Wine, Peter Miles and Ragga Dee. The problem with this category is that in the past, some artistes won by default! But Miles is the true Ragga artiste. He should be able to repeat last year’s feat tomorrow if voters are sincere.
Best Reggae artiste/group:
Bebe Cool has in the past dominated this slot. But Kid Fox, Maddox Sematimba and Henry Tigan have been equally good this year. However, Sematimba’s absence from local shows to promote his music might cost him the award. That leaves it to new comers Tigan and Fox.
Best R&B single: Jukira (Obsessions), Ginkese (Qute Kaye), Ndibeera Nawe (BLU*3), Yooyo (Michael Ross). In all honesty, BLU*3 and Ross should be the contenders, but Qute Kaye might. If he does not, BLU*3 will edge Ross.
Best R&B artist/group: BLU*3, Michael Ross, Iryn Namubiru and Juliana Kanyomozi. Voters have a way of being sympathetic and by virtue of this, anyone can win here because it is a tight race. However, favourites should be Kanyomozi and BLU*3.
Best Live band:
Misty Jazz Band playing mainly for corporate crowds and Trends Band not that popular, the race is between Eagles Productions and Jeckacki Band. Eagles’ massive popularity might see them claim it with ease despite Jeckacki’s emerging presence.
Best Live band single:
Africa (Ronald Mayinja), Yeggwe (Haruna Mubiru), Kaleke Kasome (Jeckaki Band) and Mama (Mariam Ndagire). They are all lovely songs with deep messages but voters might be swayed by the messages in Africa and Kaleke Kasome.
Northern artiste of the year:
B’FFAL, Bosmic Otim, BSG Labongo and Dogman. Labongo, Otim and Dogman are favourites because B’FFAL is new. But Dogman and Otim should be one to put one’s money on.
Western artiste of the year:
Agatha Kafoko, Doris Mutahunga, Moses Kigambo Araali and Ogaba Okufu are all strong contenders, but the race should be between Kafoko and Araali, whose cultural dress and music has won him a legion of fans.
Eastern artiste of the year:
Ayub Khan, Iddi Masaba, Kalikwani and Phillip Emuli. The latter might take it because his songs are more popular than Kalikwani’s.
Audio producer of the year:
Steve Jean, Henry Kiwuuwa, Tony Houls and Washington Ebangit have all been busy this year. Although Jean has consistently won this award, this might be different this year, with the race being between his brother, Kiwuuwa and Houls.
Best Female artiste:
This is usually a hot category. Sophie Nantongo and Juliana Kanyomozi should be the favourites here. But do not be surprised if Iryn Namubiru takes it.
Best Male artiste:
Although this is as tight as the female’s, Ronald Mayinja and Bobi Wine are favourites. My prediction is that Mayinja might take it. The recent issues of plagiarism could cost Wine the award.
Artiste of the year:
Bebe Cool, Bobi Wine, Ronald Mayinja and Sophie Nantongo. We have consistently reminded you that Nantongo, a lone female contender is the first in the awards history to appear here. What remains to be seen is whether she will pull a fast one on the guys who also deserve it. However, Mayinja and Wine are still favorurites to win.
Song of the year:
Kiwani (Bobi Wine), Africa (Ronald Mayinja), Kiba Kibi (Sweet Kid & Bebe Cool) and Mazongoto (Hilderman) have all dominated the airwaves this year but Hilderman might surprise us all. Should he fail, Mayinja or Wine will take it. Good as it is, I don’t see Kiba Kibi winning.
Video of the year: Abalungi Balumya (Bobi Wine and Nubian Li), Burrn (BLU*3), Ekyedalu (Gerald Kiweewa) and Kanyimbe (Juliana Kanyomozi). With Abalungi Balumya under scrutiny, Kanyimbe is a clear favourite.
Best New Artiste:
Clever J, Henry Tigan, Qute Kaye and Ronnie Banton. Having won the best hip-hop single, Mother Africa, alongside Hip Hop All Stars, for which he sang the chorus, Qute Kaye is not entirely new. For all Kawuna’s success, Banton will be lucky to go past Tigan and Clever J whose songs have been bigger. Tigan might take it although Clever J’s poplarity is hard to ignore. Unlike at previous editions, the Best New Artiste will receive a recording contract with Abbey Road Studios in the UK.
Songwriter of the year: With this category, popularity counts for a lot. Therefore, Silver Kyagulani may scoop Dennis Rackla, Dr. Tee and Oscar Muwonge.
Album of the year: Amaggwa (Sophie Nantongo), Kiwani (Bobi Wine), Sivyo Ndivyo (Jose Chameleone) and Ssente (Ronald Mayinja). If Wine’s problems with plagiarism do not dog him, he could win it, but Ssente is also a very likely winner. However, a win from Nantongo or Chameleone should not be surprising.
Lifetime achievement award (chosen by the PAM Awards committee and approved by the panel of judges):
Fallen prince Paul Job Kafeero is a favourite.
Each winner will receive sh1m and a crystal accolade. The Best Male and Female artiste will each bag sh3.5m, while the Best New Artiste will get sh10m.
Due to the many categories, 13 winners will be read out and will grace the stage to pick their prizes at the same time.