Ali Kiba edges Diamond to take five Kili Awards

Although local heavyweights Ali Kiba and Diamond Platinumz did not grace the colorful ceremony to accept their awards in person, the duo dominated the night, even in absentia. Diamond had led the nominations list with 10 categories to his name, while Ali Kiba was nominated in seven categories. But Ali Kiba managed to turn the tables on the favourite, taking home five KTMA trophies in the categories Best Entertainer (Male), Best Bongo Flava Composer, Best Bongo Flava Singer, Song of the Year and Best Afro-Pop Song (for ‘Mwana’).

Diamond Platnumz meanwhile walked home with three awards: Best Song (Zouk/Rhumba) for ‘Nitampata Wapi’, Video of the Year for ‘Mdogomdogo’ and Best Hip-Hop Song (for featuring on Prof J’s ‘Kipi Sijaskia’). 

Some critics have speculated that the results could spell that Diamond is more popular abroad, while Ali Kiba is the firm favourite at home. 

Of the ladies, Vanessa Mdee was named Best Entertainer (Female) and Best Bongo Flava Singer (Female). Other winners included: Mzee Yussuf, Isha Mashauzi, and Joh Makini. Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol added another trophy to their name after the hit ‘Sura Yako’ won them Best East African Song of the Year.

The full list of winners is as follows:

• Best Entertainer (Male): Ali Kiba
• Best Entertainer (Female): Vanessa Mdee
• Best Band: FM Academia
• Song of the year: ‘Mwana’ - Ali Kiba
• Best Hip-Hop Song: ‘Kipi Sijasikia’- Prof J ft. Diamond Platinumz
• Best Hip-Hop Artist: Joh Makini
• Best Rapper/Band: Jose Mara
• Best Group (Bongo Flava): Miyamoto Band 
• Best Producer (Bongo Flava): Nahreel 
• Best Composer (Bongo Flava): Ali Kiba
• Best Bongo Flava Singer (Male): Ali Kiba
• Best Bongo Flava Singer (Female): Vanessa Mdee
• Best Group (Taarab): Jahazi Modern Taarab 
• Best Singer Taarab (Male): Mzee Yussuf
• Best Singer Taarab (Female): Isha Mashauzi
• Best Taarab Song: ‘Mapenzi hayana Dhamana’ – Isha Mashauzi
• Best Rapper (Taarab): Mzee Yussuf
• Best Swahili Song (Band): ‘Walewale’ - Vijana Wa Ngwasuma
• Best R&B Song:  ‘Sisikii’ - Jux
• Video of the Year:  ‘Mdogomdogo’ - Diamond Platinumz
• Best East African Song: ‘Sura Yako’ - Sauti Soul
• Best Reggae Song: ‘Let Them Know’ - Maua  
• Best Upcoming Artiste: Baraka Da Prince
• Best Song with Natural Taste: ‘Waite’ - Mrisho Poto ft. Felly Kano
• Best Song (Zouk/Rhumba): ‘Nitampata Wapi’ – Diamond Platinumz
• Best Song (Afro-Pop): ‘Mwana’ - Ali Kiba
• Best Producer Bands: Enrico 

Congratulations to all the winners!