South Sudan: South Theatre Academy Awards name nominees

The awards were launched in 2012 to celebrate local- and diaspora-based South Sudanese musicians. This year, the awards have introduced the Gospel Artist of the Year category.

At the top of the list with three nominations is dancehall act Check B Magic, who was nominated in the Best Uprising Star of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year categories.

“As a new act, this recognition is motivating and signals the beginning of a new era in the South Sudan music industry,” he told Music In Africa. “This nomination is a stamp of approval on my career as an East African artist and it beefs up my surge towards home, regional and global dominance. I also hope it will open up opportunities for me to collaborate and make music with established East African artists.”

Nominee and Star Eagles member Denaya Dennis commended the organisers for introducing the gospel category.   

“We are honoured to have received the nomination considering that gospel artists based in Juba have previously been left out of the nominations,” he said. “This is an indication that gospel music in South Sudan is gaining recognition both locally and abroad. This is bound to continue more so because we have really good upcoming gospel artists.”

The public can vote for their favourite acts here. 

Afro Artist of the Year

• Mc Lumoex
• Chuol Nya Gak
• Cherry Long
• Alijoma
• Niqqo Jay
• Ayok Aleu
• Deng Mato

Afro Dancehall Artist of the Year

• Silver X
• Mr. Lengs
• Mt7
• Bizzy Connect
• Cool B

Best Uprising Star of the Year

• John Frog
• Biq Victim
• Check B Magic
• Lee Midication and Sunami Era
• 99 Problems
• Nuchie Boom
• Lul Simon
• Kush Mail
• Dash Jay

Dancehall Artist of the Year

• Yogo Man
• Siise
• Rocky J
• Crazy fox
• Nesti beibe
• MaccoBwoy
• Ceasar
• Khim Swaqq
• Young Bullet

DJ of the Year

• DJ Mujirim
• DJ Pepe
• Selector T
• DJ Deng
• Selector Magok
• DJ Simple Max
• DJ Legacy Deng

Female Artist of the Year

• Queen Zee
• Trisha C
• Tutu Baibe
• Neetah baby
• Yanas
• Irene Toss

Gospel Artist of the Year

• Star Eagles
• Maboto Motivated
• Francis 4 Jesus
• Jungle Preacher

Hip hop Artist of the Year

• 6Foot
• L.u.a.l
• Money Maniac
• J Yang
• Jay Kay
• Asif
• One Pound

International Act of the Year

• Rapper Hot-Dogg
• Adaway
• Amac Don
• Sunny Man
• Ejay

Male Artist of the Year

• Silver X
• Yogo Man
• Hardlife Avenue
• Alijoma
• DJ Cent
• Single Dee

Music Group of the Year

• Hardlife Avenue
• BBG Frantinity
• Gud Man and Twise busy (Ghetto Survivors)
• Kalf De-Sys and Young Neighbour
• GGA
• United Kings.
• Coozos Clan

Music Video Director of the Year

• Bol Manas
• Obeezy
• Director 188
• Bashir

Producer of the Year

• Shako
• Mantani
• Bobi aka Stunna Boy
• Lil King

R&B Artist of the Year

• Single Dee
• Bior Kissy
• Trisha C
• Tvavy de Tablet
• Ymo

Song of the Year

• Hardlife Avenue - 'He Wants Me No More'  
• Single Dee - 'Sing For You'
• Mt7 - 'Wine Up'
• DJ Cent - 'Noom Bet Mara'
•  Tutu Baibe - 'Nyuom'
• Alijoma - 'Malaika'
• Check B Magic - 'Soko'  

Video of the Year

• Hardlife Avenue - 'Mr Right'
• Siise - 'Dompa Drop'
• Mt7 - Wine Up
• Check B Magic - 'Soko'
• Maccobwoy - 'Better Girl'
• Case Blanco - 'Economy Is Booming'
• Khim Swaqq - 'Bend and Pause'
• DJ CentBlack - 'Woman'
• Cool B - 'Wife Material'

Media House of the Year

• Classic FF
• Radio One
• City FM
• Eye Radio
• Hot In Juba
• Top FM