New Uganda awards announce nominees

The KMAs are targeted at the Busoga region in Eastern Uganda and aim to discover, promote and appreciate often marginalised talent based outside the capital Kampala.

The awards are organised by Jinja-based radio station Apex FM, which styles itself as targeting young people and women in Uganda. The ceremony will take place on April 8 at a venue yet to be announced.

Last month, controversy rocked Uganda’s HiPipo Awards after a local media house cast aspersions on the integrity of its ownership. This then spilled over to the Club Music Video Awards after top ragga artist Bebe Cool opted out after being nominated.

But the organisation of the nascent KMAs is not without teething problems: Information is disseminated on social media and not on the radio station’s website. In addition, fans are invited to vote via Facebook comments, which opens the awards to misuse and mistrust.

There is, however, the option of mobile voting where fan votes will account for 40% of the final result while the organising committee’s votes will account for 60%.

The nominees are:

Best Folk Song

• 'Tikisoboka' – Hoe & Yazo
• 'Abasoga Twabaki' – Cool Demus
• 'Byansi Byakuleka' – Weaverbird
• 'Ebyafaayo' – Bayisi
• 'Diwume' – Afande Kadabada

Best Video

• 'Ndiwakutijjisa' – Skool Fees
• 'Nkobera Y’oba' – Kayzmon Switch
• 'Otera Waira' – Kevin Green
• 'Akalangiko' – Pop Kay
• 'Asikiriza' – Peter M Gazampa

Uganda’s Super Hit

• 'Musawo' – Winnie Nwagi
• 'Nkwatako' – Sheebah
• 'Onsanula' – David Lutalo
• 'Tuli Majje' – Ziza Bafana
• 'Mama' – Pallaso

Music Icon of the Decade

• Sylvia Kyansuti
• Geobless
• James Mutyabule 'Fooda Man'
• Pater M Gazampa
• Steven Malagala
• Racheal Magoola
• Pastor Ivulungo
• Via Kalikwani

Best DJ

• DJ CrossHD
• DJ Wicky
• DJ SharpMax
• DJ Mike Dee
• DJ Csilla
• DJ Max
• DJ Bazz
• DJ Cloud

Best Audio Producer

• SideSoft
• Kadigido
• Seyo
• Ivo
• Coffix
• Jozbax
• Chippa Sam
• Davix

Best Band Song

• 'Negomba' – Nulianah Ali
• 'Anskiriza' – Peter M. Gazampa
• 'Gwolabanga Fala' – Prince Y
• 'Musawo' – R Squared
• 'Esima Luti' – Shammy K
• 'Milly' – Yooli

Best Kadongokamu Artist

• James Musobya
• Tom Kamangada
• Steven Malagala
• Gumba
• Wickie Dikie

Ragga/Dancehall Song

• 'Swagg' – Park U
• 'Pirate' – Top K
• 'Kawundu' – Strago
• 'Tabbu' – Skool Fees
• 'Tondidi' – Kim Nana
• 'Nzinamu' – Rittie Usher  

Best Crew

• Elgon Band
• Paka Paka Kingdom
• MM Investment
• Busoga Giants
• Royal Life

Song of the Year

• 'Diwume' – Afande Kadabada
• 'Miwudu' – Roya Simba
• 'Tikisoboka' – Hoe & Yazo
• 'Swagg' – Park U
• 'Abasoga Twabaki' – Cool Demus

Breakthrough Artist

• Kim Nana
• Hoe & Yazo
• Kevin Bainz
• Nulianah Ali
• Talent Moze
• QKA Abbey

Afrobeat Song

• Kadebengu – Bipotu
• Tibinuma – Afande Kadabada
• Ja Okakobe – Talent Moze
• Love Yo – Park U
• Ekiribawo – Tank Tank
• Miss Nice – QKA Abbey

Hip Hop Artist

• Too Bad
• Lil Andy
• McCrazy 'Mutabani Wa Nakuya'
• Razzle 'Omwana W’eka'
• Flavor

Female Artist of the Year

• Sandra Sanjja
• Nantambi
• Shammy K
• Ann Flavor
• Sylvia Kyansuti

Male Artist of the Year

• Afande Kadabada
• Roya Simba
• Park U
• Menton Ras
• Peter M Gazampa

Religious Artist

• Joel Ngobi
• Mukisa John
• Olivia Muwumba
• Vicky Lubega
• Julie Mukisa

Best Comedian

• Swengere
• Afande Scorpion
• Mzee Mudoofu
• Akiiki Malepuko
• Mzee Kamada 'Embuzi'

Best Global Act

• Mowzey Radio
• Geosteady
• Maro
• Hindu Asha
• Mega Dee
• SideSoft

Artist of the Year

• Afande Kadabada
• Roya Simba
• Menton Ras
• Park U
• Sandra Sanjja

Lifetime Achievement Award