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Nominations for this year’s VIGA Music Awards which are set to return with an in-person ceremony have been announced in the capital, Kampala. Top nominees include Coopy Bly with 5 nods, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Levixone and Grace Nakimera with 4 nods each, Sandra Suubi and Lena Price with 3 nods each.
Vying for male artist of the year are Romeo Odong, Pr. Wilson Bugembe, Coopy Bly, Levixone, D. Reign, JohnMarie and Brian Lubega. Known for her hit single ‘Brag about God’, Gabie Ntaate scored a nod for most outstanding rising/breakthrough artist and is joined in the category by Job Kiiza, Carol Komeza, Ken Royal, Mima Micheal, Sahron Male and Allan Aarons Zaabu.
UG Christian News is for the second time in a row nominated, “Most outstanding industry supporting Social media entity of the year,” Others in this category are Selah Bang Promotions, Brenda Praise, GMP, Gospel Modes, Gosple 256, MC Pato.
VIGA Music Awards, first launched May, 2007, seek to uphold “Godliness and Excellence”, bringing together various high-profile figures including clerics, artists, music and media executives, diplomats, politicians, corporate and business leaders among others.
“The management of the VIGA Music Awards in collaboration with the Federation of Gospel Artists of Uganda (FGAU) is delighted to announce the release of the 2021-22 season’ nominees (see list attached herewith), recognizing the outstanding works released between Jan-Dec 2021. This year the VIGA will award forty (40) categories, including the newly introduced Special Mindustry Support Icon and Community Empowerment Awards,” the organisers said in a statement.
“VIGA 2022 will run under the theme ‘Celebrate Life,’ as we honor God’s grace that sustained us through the lockdown which spanned over two years due to the covid pandemic. The period made us realize the fact that life is paramount of all things that we desire, along with the natural things that God created i.e., oxygen, fruits, and herbs among others, hence the importance of conserving nature,” the statement reads.
The awarding ceremony is slated for the 9th of July, 2022 at the Kampala Serena Hotel beginning 3:00 pm. The red carpet event will feature surprise popular international and local artists, the organizers say.
Entry tickets are on sale in three categories: Silver VIP-Ugx 75k, Gold VIP-Ugx 100k and Platinum VIP-Ugx 200k, tables at Ugx 2M.
Below is the list of nominations announced 27 May, 2022. For voting, please visit https://vigaawards.com/vote/
1: Most outstanding Song Writer of the year
1. Coopy Bly
2. Ken Royal
3. John Kateregga aka John K
4. Desire the writer (Story)
5. Eng Brian
6. Wilber Kasaale
7. Romeo Odong
2: Most outstanding Videographer of the year
1. Zyga phix
2. Grace D
3. Bantu Pro
4. Saint Jude (Rosa)
5. Feelins256 Flims
6. Jessie Ochaya
7. VM Concepts
3: Most outstanding Audio Producer of the year
1. Right Beats
2. Century Vibes
3. Josh wonder (Wills)
4. St Peter
5. Brian Beats
6. Nessim
7. Dreign
4: Most outstanding Musician/Instrumentalist of the year
1. Br. Anthony
2. John Marie
3. Nicolas Guitar
4. Jose sax
5. Price Love
6. Tizzy
7. Wilber Kasaale
5: Most outstanding Dancer/Dance group of the year
1. Faithsteppers
2. Balokole Dance Group
3. DNA Dancers
4. Sabula Nation
5. G-Sparks
6. Owesam dancers
7. Stim dancers
6: Most outstanding DJ/VJ of the year
1. DJ Jemo
2. DJ Easy Samuel
3. DJ Musa
4. DJ Victor 256
5. DJ Puis
6. DJ Kush Channel 44
7. DJ. Bantam
7: Most outstanding Mindustry supporting T.V entity of the year
1. MC Hope – Katika, Rest TV
2. Brian Muwonge -Gugudde TV
3. Derrick Vucci – Salt TV
4. Carol Flower – NTV
5. Ivodrous – DreamTV
6. Sam Special – Family TV
7. Olvia ziwa- NBS TV
8: Most outstanding Mindustry supporting Radio entity of the year
1. Lady Winnie – Top radio
2. Lady Kin – Impact radio
3. King Wesley – Spirit FM
4. Nkore John – Power FM
5. Chairman Rodney – MCF radio
6. Kisaakye Ivan – Top
7. Lady Bezo – Spirit FM
9: Most outstanding industry supporting Social media entity of the year
1. Selah Bang Promotions
2. Brenda Praise
3. GMP
4. Gospel Modes
5. UG Christian News
6. Gosple 256
7. MC Pato
10: Most outstanding Manager/Promoter of the Year
1. Deza Promotions
2. Joab Promotions
3. Promote Gospel Vybe Nathan
4. Njiri Promotions
5. GMP
6. Kabaka Machette
7. Blessed Charles Promotions
11: Choir Category
1. Ekibi – The Hebrews Choir
2. Ensi okukyuuka – Levites Choir
3. Tunateera okutuuka – The Heritage Ministries Choir
4. Ensi empya – Canaanites Choir
5. Katonda wange nkwagala – Gospel Elite Crescendo Choir
6. Twali bangi – Vision Choir Kitara
7. Tuhumbise – Angels of Christ Choir
12: Acapella Category
1. Gyakie forever – Vocal Play Acapella
2. Sekukulu – The Cape Brothers
3. Have a little talk with Jesus – Shalom Acapella
4. Abakyala bazila – Spring Gents
5. Libe essanyu – Midlanders Acapella
6. Divine Chariots Acapella
7. Nyinza ntya – Amazing Grace Choir
13: Traditional Pop Category
1. Embuutu – Coopy Bly
2. Lwakedde – Baijjah Frank
3. Twetegeke – Olivia Muwumba
4. Musumba Wange – Jean Peace
5. Katonda Yeebale – Lydia Mukisa
6. Aliberaawo – Rachel Namubiru
7. Liwooma – Allan Aarons Zaabu
14: Reggae Category
1. Onkolere – D’Angelo Busuulwa
2. Obeere Katonda wange- Richy Kaweesa, Unclesamax, Phila Kaweesa
3. Thank you Lord – JK Shine
4. Omutambuze – Joseph Ssegawa
5. Akayinja mungato – JohnMarie ft Dusty roor
6. Abeeka – Wilber Kasaale
7. Tube ffembi-Betty Muwanguzi
15: Hip-hop/Rap Category
1. Nasaye – Mersy Lurv
2. Tebindya – Chillz Kabejja
3. Omukono – Vann Mesh
4. I am a miracle – D.reign x Michelle
6. Kirooto-Timo Rayz Majakira
7. Niwewe boona – Lyrical mycheal
16: Dancehall/Ragga Category
1. Show Me – Dangelo Busuulwa
2. What a wonder – Morgan Isaac
3. Nakikubye – Colifixie
4. Musana -Taffy blaize
5. Taala – Eli Bulamu & Suspekt Leizor
6. Abimalanga – Lena Price
7. Kingdom Come-Anointed Crushers
17: RnB-Jazz-Soul-Country Category
1. Mwoyo Tonta – Pr. Twina Herbert
2. Njagala Kubeera Wano – Sylver Kyagulanyi
3. Nzuno- Hawa Mawa
4. Waali – Price Love
5. Twandibadewa – Grace Nakimera
6. Teri akusinga – Brian Lubega & Sam Kimera
7. Awo-Ntaate
18: Afro-beat/Zouk/Kwaito Category
1. A li Mukizimbe (Chakala) – Engineer Brian
2. Chips Ne Nkoko – Pastor Ken B
3. Papa oh – Zabuli & Marvin Jonah
4. Mbeera – Levixone & Grace Morgan Hammondge
5. He’s gat your back – JohnMarie
6. Life is easy – D Reign & Michelle
7. Ivan T.i.T – Number One
19: Techno-House- Funkie-Rock Category
1. It’s over-Dr. Suudi
2. Awumuza-Florence Rukundo
3. Rejoice – Sarah Najjemba
4. God of Fire -Grace Nakimera
5. Dale/Koona-Brayan VI Ft. Fortune Spice
6. Gwe Abikola-Coopy Bly
7. My Daawa – Sandra Suubi
20: Afri-style/Soukous/Kadongo kamu Category
1. Ensulo – Meeme Juliet
2. Leero lwange – Agie Divine Love
3. Katonda y’abadde mu eno Ensonga – Pastor Wilson Bugembe
4. Twabuula – Jospeh Ngoma
5. Onkoledde – Brian Lubega
6. Silika – Don Zabbu
7. Asante Yesu – Papa T Maurice
21: International Song/Artist of the year (considers music from outside Africa)
1. Hold on me-Travis Green, Kirk Franklin & John P Kee
2. God who listens-Chris Tomlin
3. Believe for it-Cece Winans
4. Strong God-Kirk Franklin
5. Royalty-Tasha Combs Leonard
6. Never knew love-Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago
7. Help is on the way-Toby Mac
8. Joyful Noise-Matt Maher ft Doe
22: East African Song/Artist of the year (considers works by artists from the E. African region)
1. Day by Day – Gaby Kamanzi
2. Mugambo – Goodluck Gozbert feat Bony Mwaitege
3. Kuna Namn-Mercy Masika
4. Simba-Rose Muhando
5. Usipigane-Joel Lwaga
6. Cheza gospel-Moji Shortbabaa
7. Praise You Jehovah – Eunice Njeri
8. Utukufu-Evelyn Wanjiru
23: Rest of Africa Song/Artist of the year (works by artists from outside the E. African region)
1. Congratulations – Ada Ehi ft Buchi
2. Jehovah overdo – Chidinma
3. New Dimension – Onos Ariyo
4. Thank You-Yedawase – Celestine Donkor ft Efya, Akwaboa, Maa Cynthia
5. Kwacha – Pompi
6. Greatest Lord – Sinachi
7. Avumile-Benjamin Dube ft TshepoNyawuza
24: Special entity Song/Artist of the year (considers gospel music by ‘secular’ artists)
1. Bolingo – chameleon
2. Nasanyuka-Uncle Inno Ft. Charmant Mushaga
3. Webale – Chris Evans
4. Nkomyewo – Lady Titie
5. Blessings – John Blaq
6. Thank God-Vinka
25: Diaspora Song/Artist of the year (considers music by Ugandans living out of Uganda)
1. Nwanila– Judith Babirye
2. I will sing of praise-David Lumu
3. Mbeera-Grace Morgan Hammondge:
4. Blessings-Dr Brian Ddumba
5. Even If-Samie Bisaso
6. Tuswala – Traxton Blessing
7. Hossana-Eva Nakamatte
26: Most outstanding Junior artist (considers artists under 15 years)
1. Go tell it on the mountain – Watoto
2. Maridadi – Princess Gabriella
3. Ye ggwe – Rinic Jemimah
4. Time To Party – Princes Mellissa
5. Twagalane-Leyna K
6. Commander – Precious UG
7. You are my God-Shilloh Ssanyu
27: Most outstanding Rising/Breakthrough Artist
1. Olemwa nothing-Job Kiiza
2. Praise your Holy Name-Carol Komeza
3. Wello–Ken Royal
4. Mima Micheal-Still I miss you
5. Awo-Ntaate
6. Gwe Wekka – Sahron Male
7. Liwooma – Allan Aarons Zaabu
28: Most outstanding Eastern Song/Artist of the year category
1. Control – Praise Porter
2. Kirooto-Timo Rayz Majakira
3. So fine-Mariam Nambi
4. Baduya Bwawele – Pr Mike Musalo
5. Yesu akulanga-Geofrey Manana
6. Twetegeke-Olivia Muwumba
7. Niwe Yawe ezira akusinga-Blessed Betinah
29: Most outstanding Western Song/Artist of the year category
1. Jesus-IGME Band
2. Teacher -Julie Ssoki Kamwesigye
3. Nibihinduka-Rachel T
4. Gamba nogu-Happy Alex
5. Guma hama-Best Emily
6. Nibikora-Ev. Ronald Murugayo
7. Esengo-Papa T Maurice
30: Most outstanding Northern Song/Artist of the year category
1. Accountability-Desanto
2. Rwot Gwoka-Nightie Peggy
3. Miti Pa Lubanga-Kid Face
4. Anga ma twera-Romeo Odong
5. Waka Waka-OJ Maxwell
6. Kica pa Lubang-King & Queen Fireman
7. Mego Petua Akom Ft. Otim Alpha Oziate – Kica Pa Rubanga
31: Most outstanding Exceptional Social theme Song/Artist of the year (inspirational non-gospel lyrics music by Christian/Gospel artists)
1. Omutambuze – Joseph Ssegawa
2. Enkalamata-Wilber kasaale
3. Humanity – Hum Kay
4. Kiragala – Sandra Suubi Ft. Michel Ongaro
5. Niwewe boona – Lyrical Mycheal
6. Kantambule naawe – Racheal Namubiru Ft Isaiah Katumwa
7. Mwana wange – Dpass Rhymes
32: Most outstanding Dual/Band/Group
1. Grhythm-All that I want
2. Kingdom Come-Anointed Crushers
3. Yuza Eggulu-Wilsongs
4. Jehovah Shalom-Have A Little Talk With Jesus
5. IGME Band – Jesus
6. Ole & Ego-Nsulo
7. Ama woro anzi Munguni – Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF)
33: Most outstanding Collaboration Song/Artists of the year
1. Bwobera nange – Happy Alex & Alice Kyasimire
2. Tujja Kuwona – Coopy Bly ft. Pastor Wilson Bugembe
3. Mbeera-Levixone & Grace Morgan Hammondge
4. Motivation-Morgan Isaac & Exodus
5. Am a miracle-Dreign & Michelle
6. Teri akusinga – Brian Lubega & Sam Kimera
7. Testimony – Tendo Germaine Ft. Dpass Rhymes
34: Most outstanding Video of the year
1. Esengo – Papa T Maurice
2. Ali Mukizimbe (Chakala) – Engineer Brian
3. Mbeera-Levixone & Grace Morgan Hammondge
4. Abimalanga – Lena Price
5. Twandibaddewa-Grace Nakimera
6. It’s over-Dr. Suudi
7. What a wonder – Morgan Isaac
35: Most outstanding Male Artist of the year category
1. Romeo Odong
2. Pr. Wilson Bugembe
3. Coopy Bly
4. Levixone
5. D Reign
6. JohnMarie
7. Brian Lubega
36: Most outstanding Female Artist of the year category
1. Hossana Joy
2. Justine Nabbosa
3. Lena Price
4. Grace Nakimera
5. Sandra Suubi
6. Jean Peace
7. Nambi Mariam
37: Most outstanding Praise/Worship Song-Artist of the Year
1. Asante Yesu – Papa T Maurice
2. Katonda y’abadde mu eno ensonga – Pastor Wilson Bugembe
3. I will sing of praise-David Lumu
4. Inkos–Keviina Nsamba
5. Onkoledde–Brian Lubega
6. All the praises belong to you – Anyek Flavia
7. Teri akusinga-Brian Lubega & Sam Kimera
38. Legends Award
39. Special Mindustry Support Icon Award
40. Community Empowerment Award
For voting, please visit https://vigaawards.com/vote/
