Kisima Music Awards was the most prestigious award music gala in Kenya before it collapsed way back in 2013 on its 16th anniversary.
Kisima Award was first held in 1997 to recognize talent and fate musicians who had performed impressively in a respective year.
The award made history in 2011 when it offered winners cash reward. Gospel rapper Juliani pocketed Ksh 1 million after winning three Kisima awards at the 2011 award gala.
Juliani faces intimidations after threatening to sue Jubilee Party
That was the first time winners got cash rewards in a major music award in Kenya. Most awards even today only offer recognition to winners and maybe a few incentives.
Kisima Music Awards has since been relaunched as the Kisima Music and Film Awards after a seven-year hiatus, to recognize players in Africa’s music and film industries.
Organisers of the 2020 Kisima Music and Film Awards (KMFAs) are calling on aspiring and established African musicians to submit entries ahead of the ceremony set to be held at Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi on 13 December.
The event’s gala will take place under strict COVID-19 safety guidelines, including the provision of free masks for all attendees, the organisers said.
Speaking to Music In Africa at the awards’ launch on 3 November, KMFAs chairperson Fred Simiyu said the awards would be held in a different African country every year to strengthen African solidarity and be a point of convergence for showcasing African talent, dreams and aspirations.
