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Big artistes snubbed in VIGA awards: little known artistes win big
Monitor reporter Jonathan Adengo (not in suit) with the fast rising Acapella group the Canaan Gents who bagged two awards (social media and Acapella awards). Photo by Lubowa Abubaker
The Victorius Gospel Music Awards rewarded over 35 different personalities in the gospel music industry. The awards which mainly seek to recognise the big strides and achievements in the gospel music industry attracted a large number of participants across the religious realm to theatre Labonita, where the ceremony took place. .
The night which was a red carpet affair went down on Saturday, amidst ululations and excitement which got some of the revellers running to the stage to cheer on their favourite artistes.
The ceremony started at about 5pm with performances along Colville Street. The guests were later on ushered in to the main auditorium where the awarding ceremony began.
The awards came with a bit of surprises as the favourites and "big dogs" in the gospel music fraternity failed to win any awards. Artistes like Wilson Bugembe did not win any but Judith Babirye managed only Album of the year award. Instead the small and upcoming artistes bagged the awards.
Exodus is the Male artist of the year. Photo by Lubowa Abubaker
The big winners of the night were fast rising acapella group the Canaan Gents which comprises of four gentlemen. The group bagged two awards for Acapella and another for social media given their big presence in the social circles. They later on wowed the audience with their voices as they did a piece.
Other noteworthy winners were Pastor Betty Badda whose energising performances and colourful costumes worn by the backup dances gave the audience something to write home about. Several other artistes like Joy Tendo, who won female artiste of the year, Exodus who bagged male artiste of the year, and Julie Mutetasira among others put up very good performances.
Artiste Joy Tendo bagged the female artist of the Year award. Photo by Lubowa Abubaker
However, in spite of the few glitches here and there like the bad sound, and poor lighting, the awards managed to show big strides with their wide coverage of the different denominations of the gospel music industry. This time round other religious groups were also recognised, and even the kadongo kamu singers.
The mcs of the day also left a lot to be desired as the different guests came to announce the different winners amidst interruptions by those announcing the nominees in the different categories.
But never the less, the organisers did a great job putting the awards together. The night was closed with a performance by Exodus
List of winners
Best Song writer – Moses Ssozi
Best Video Producer – CVL Aiden
Best Audio producer –Paddy man
Best promoting Icon – We mix
Best Instrumentalist Award –Charmant
Best Dance group – Storm Riders
Acapella award – Canaan gents
VIGA Merit award – Bishop Senfuma
Best Catholic Choir – Divine love
Best Adventist choir – Glorious singer
Best Pentecostal choir - Kigenge holy gate choir
Best Reggae award – Rev Edmond and Rachel
Best Hip hop award – S4J
Best Dancehall award – Robinsan
Best RnB artiste – Levixone
Best traditional artiste – Olivia Muwumba
Best Kadongo kamu artiste – Joseph Ngoma
Best Afristyle – Pastor Betty Badda
Best Afro Beat award – Gladys Mirembe
Best Upcoming artiste – Kiggundu Wilson
New Talent award – K-cross and Polo
Special entity award – Mesach Ssemakula
Best Exemplary song – MC Africa
Gospel legends award – Pastor Simon Kayiwa
Best Collaboration award – G-way
Best Worship and Praise – Pastor Robert Kayanja
Best Performer – Pastor Betty Badda
Best Diaspora artiste – Ronnie Mukisa
Social Media award – Canaan Gents
Best Female artiste – Joy Tendo
Best Male artiste of the year – Exodus
Video of the year award – Prophecy by Exodus
Song of the year – Ssabba by Julie Mutessasira
Album of the year – Okilizidwa by Judith Babirye
