On Sunday, 21 November, the Gala for the 2021 All Africa music Awards (AFRIMA) went down at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. The music Award that combined effort by music professionals across the African continent aimed at celebrating the rich musical heritage of 44 African countries.
AFRIMA Awards recognize African music globally by honoring African artistes, music producers, songwriters, video directors, DJs, Choreographers/dancers, and movie/film producers living in Africa or in the diaspora.
The Kenyan artists that represented the country well include;
Nikita Kering
The 19-year-old songstress brought home two awards, Best Artiste RnB and Soul Award and Best Female Artiste East Africa Award. She first took home the title for Best Female Artiste in East Africa. She was competing against Xenia Manasseh (Kenya), Karun (Kenya), Afrie (Uganda), Rema Namakula, DJ Harold & Chike (Uganda), Merry Zerabruk (Eritrea), Nandy (Tanzania), Ree (Tanzania), Spiece Diana (Uganda), and Zuchu (Tanzania).
The singer also bagged the Best Artiste, Duo, or Group in African R&B Soul title, beating other nominees
"Thank You! And @afrima.awards I didn't do this alone, I did it with you. Thank you and Thank God..." she excitedly shared.
Shanah Manjeru
The 13-year-old Kenyan singer became the youngest winner at the awards after taking home the award for the Best African Female Artiste in Inspirational Music which was previously won by Ms Nikita.
“Thanks to God & all of you, I WON THE AFRIMA AWARDS 2021!!! Halleluyia! Best Female Artiste in African Inspiration Music. Youngest-ever AFRIMA AWARDS Winner," shared Shanah Manjeru.
Shanah who released her debut music single and video called Destiny in October 2017, has remarkably grown musically and was even head-hunted by Hollywood to audition for the role of young Aretha Franklin in the upcoming ‘Respect,’ MGM Studios film which is directed by Liesl Tommy.
Ms Manjeru beat talented acts such as beat Ada Ehi (Nigeria), Afrie (Uganda), Eden (Ivory Coast), Kamo Mphela (South Africa), Montess (Cameroon), Nata (Sierra Leone), Noel Nderitu (Kenya), Ruth Asong (Cameroon), Diana Hamilton (Ghana), and Kelly Khumalo (South Africa).
Sauti Sol
AFRIMA 2021 Award for the best group went to Sauti Sol - Kenya's acclaimed boy band. The Afro-Pop group is among the biggest acts in Africa.
They've been riding high with their Midnight Train album and collaborations with the likes of Burna Boy.