The just concluded Gusii All Stars United Awards (GASUA) gala was one of its kind as far as music awards are concerned. Firstly, it was the first ever award I know of regionally and even internationally with winners going home with both a trophy and cash prizes of Kshs. 10,000 for every category.
Secondly, the gala night was full of surprises in regard to Gusii showbiz and stardom. Majority of the winners were musicians who have a massive following in the region as compared to the national arena, thanks to their music’s high rotation on the local vernacular radio and television stations.
Among the big acts who missed out include Nyashinski on the male artist of the year secular, who lost the trophy to seasoned rapper Babu Gee, he of Ujinga Ni fame, as well as Dela and Cece Sagini who were trounced by the fast rising female singer called Shourtie as the female artist of the year.
Jiggy won the Dancehall artist of the year with his collaboration ‘Whine & Drop’ with KRG the Don, as Miggy Champ won the secular video of the year while the gospel video category went to Jac Matara, the AP singer.
Grand Pa’s Fimbo ya Tatu cameo artist Lilsliq won the Ghipuka/Genge artist of the year while his collaboration with Vekta dubbed ‘Gud One’ won the Collabo of the year category as Smallz Lethal walked away with the Hip Hop artist of the year.
Two times Groove Awards winner Fenny Kerubo lost to Biyaki the Brand as the female gospel artist of the year while the Groove Awards nominee Falenzy Usher lost to fast rising gospel artist Born B who won the male artist of the year gospel category.
The controversial Nyonyo singer SBJ lost in the fast rising gospel artist category to Obeddy, with his hit collaboration with M.O.G called Nicheke. Mr. Bloom’s why hit song won the social awareness song of the year while multiple Groove Awards nominee Douglas Otiso won the song of the year category with his hit Tara.
Gladiators All Stars won the dance group of the year for the second time in a row while the comedian of the year went to the seasoned Heartstrings actors cum comedians Victor and Cyprian using their comedy outfit ‘Mkisii ni Mkisii.’
The colorful event which was sponsored by the county government of Kisii through Governor James Ongwae and Egesa fm; the leading vernacular radio station in the region, was held at the Gusii stadium the venue that was also used to usher in the New Year.
Revelers turned up in thousands to witness the event which was happening for the second time, since inception in 2015, feting showbiz personalities from secular and gospel music as well as dancing and comedy.
check out the winners on the next page
