The Kora All-Africa music awards ceremony on Sunday night named the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Werra Son and South Africa’s Thandiswa Mazwai as best male and female artists on the continent.
The best African group award was given to JJC and 419 Squad of Nigeria for their track Kilonshele, organisers said in a statement on Monday morning.
The winners were chosen from 103 artists who entered their names in 18 different categories, ranging from the best African artist to the best gospel group and best traditional artist.
”Each edition of the Koras teaches us a bit more about the rich and prolific musical culture of this incredible continent of ours,” said Ernest Coovi Adjovi, executive producer of the ceremony.
South Africa’s Swazi, Dinaly of Cameroon and Madson Junior of Burkina Faso were named most promising artists.
The overall winner, Son and his countryman Felix Wazekwa, were both named best male artists from central Africa.
South Africa’s Mazwai added best female artist in southern Africa to her name while Kabelo Mabalane, also from South Africa, was named best male artist in the region.
In West Africa, Kunle of Nigeria was named best male artist and Guinean Kamaldine won the best female artist award.
Kenyan Achien’g Abura and Tsedenia Gebremarkos of Ethiopia shared best female artist in East Africa. Kenyan Big Pin was named best male artist of the region.
South Africa’s Mahube was awarded best traditional African group and King Mensah best traditional artist while Kenyan DNG, Deborah Fraser of South Africa and Ivorian group Schekina took the best gospel singer awards. – Sapa-AFP