Pastor Okudi scoops Kora award
Dec 07, 2003
CELEBRATED Ugandan Gospel singer, Pastor George Okudi, on Saturday beat the cream of Africa’s music stars to the coveted Kora Best of Africa Male Artiste award in South Africa with his song Wipolo.
By Steven Candia
and Sebidde Kiryowa
CELEBRATED Ugandan Gospel singer, Pastor George Okudi, on Saturday beat the cream of Africa’s music stars to the coveted Kora Best of Africa Male Artiste award in South Africa with his song Wipolo.
Shortly before his departure for the eighth Kora All Africa Music Awards, at a press conference at Garden City, Okudi had predicted that his song Wipolo would “bring an award home.â€
His faith in his song with hypnotising beats, paid off when Okudi became the first Ugandan artiste ever to scoop the prestigious award.
But as it turned out, his prediction was an understatement as he scooped two awards at the ceremony on Saturday night in Johannesburg, South africa.
Okudi, who danced to the stage, walked away with the coveted best male artiste and the best male artiste in East Africa Awards.
Viewers were presented the opportunity to vote the best African male artiste either by telephone or website after watching clips of their performances.
The Koras are Africa’s equivalent of the prestigious American Grammies, recognising African artistes of African origin in Africa and in the diaspora.
The awards were beamed to over 140 million viewers all over the world.
In a show of patriotism, Okudi was hoisted in the air by Ugandan compatriot and fellow Kora nominee, Bebe Cool, who accompanied him to the podium. Jose Chameleon Uganda’s best artiste of the year, was the third Kora award nominee for Uganda.
The overjoyed Okudi said he was honoured to get the awards. “When my mother sees all this, she will pass away,†the 33 year old pastor said. “My wife, who is five months pregnant, might be overwhelmed with the award and give birth on the spot,†he said throwing the audience into laughter.
Ends
and Sebidde Kiryowa
CELEBRATED Ugandan Gospel singer, Pastor George Okudi, on Saturday beat the cream of Africa’s music stars to the coveted Kora Best of Africa Male Artiste award in South Africa with his song Wipolo.
Shortly before his departure for the eighth Kora All Africa Music Awards, at a press conference at Garden City, Okudi had predicted that his song Wipolo would “bring an award home.â€
His faith in his song with hypnotising beats, paid off when Okudi became the first Ugandan artiste ever to scoop the prestigious award.
But as it turned out, his prediction was an understatement as he scooped two awards at the ceremony on Saturday night in Johannesburg, South africa.
Okudi, who danced to the stage, walked away with the coveted best male artiste and the best male artiste in East Africa Awards.
Viewers were presented the opportunity to vote the best African male artiste either by telephone or website after watching clips of their performances.
The Koras are Africa’s equivalent of the prestigious American Grammies, recognising African artistes of African origin in Africa and in the diaspora.
The awards were beamed to over 140 million viewers all over the world.
In a show of patriotism, Okudi was hoisted in the air by Ugandan compatriot and fellow Kora nominee, Bebe Cool, who accompanied him to the podium. Jose Chameleon Uganda’s best artiste of the year, was the third Kora award nominee for Uganda.
The overjoyed Okudi said he was honoured to get the awards. “When my mother sees all this, she will pass away,†the 33 year old pastor said. “My wife, who is five months pregnant, might be overwhelmed with the award and give birth on the spot,†he said throwing the audience into laughter.
Ends