Uganda: Nominations open for new music awards

They also said the prize is aimed at promoting and recognising artists who are relevant in the Ugandan context. The theme of the awards is ‘changing the future of the Ugandan music industry’.

“We are not trying to do the traditional music awards type of thing, but this is not about who is big or who is popular. It is about the music,” said awards organiser Ikiriza Enock during the launch. “We want not be the Kampala Music Awards but Uganda Music Awards, which means we invite and involve artists from every region of Uganda”.

TUMA will celebrate outstanding artistic achievement, technical proficiency excellence in performance and a positive contribution to the music industry in Uganda.

The inaugural awards ceremony will be held on 4 August at Kampala Serena Hotel. The public vote will account for 40% while the awards academy’s decision will account for 60% of the final vote.

Nominations are now open, to close at midnight on 21 April. Nominations will be via the TUMA app, their social media pages and SMS, which will be free. Voting will commence after the announcement of the nominees and close at midnight on 21 July.

Nomination categories are; Artist of the year, Best Female Artist, Best Male Artist, Song of The Year, Best Instrumentalist, Best New Artist, Best Urban Artist, Best Reggae / Ragga / Dancehall Artist, Best Hip Hop Artist, Best Afro Pop Artist, Best Traditional Artiste/Group, Best Regionals (North, East, West and Central), Best Dance Crew, Best Music Video, Best Producer, Fans’ Choice Award, Gospel Artist of the Year, Best Artist in Diaspora, Best Afro-fusion Artist.