Kilimandjaro Music Awards 2018 unveil nominees

The event, which takes place on 1 December at Daniels Spectrum in Toronto, Canada, was launched in 2016 by Kilimandjaro Radio, an Afro-Caribbean station that strictly airs music by African musicians in North America. The list of nominees features 10 African countries and is divided into 12 categories.

Canada-based Rwandan musician Jean the Hustla, who has been nominated in the Best Male Artist category, told Music In Africa that such initiatives challenged musicians to be more creative.

“It always feels great when your work is appreciated and recognised," he said. "We have different artists from all the corners of the world in the category that I am in. This gives me hope that my music is being heard by different people.

"The nomination sends a strong message back home back home that we have not forgotten our roots. The categories of Best African Transition Dance and other African categories have been fundamental in showcasing our beautiful cultures to the world.”

The public can vote for their favourite acts here. Voting closes on 29 November 2018. 

Below is the full list of nominees:

Best Gospel Artist

• Guy Mbayo (DRC)
• David G (Nigeria)
• Elisheba (Cameroon)
• Gui Gui Love (Cameroon)

Best Female Artist

• Tolumide (Nigeria)
• Cheka Katenen (Guinea)
• Nelly Luv (Cameroon)
• Sonia Aimy (Nigeria)

Best Male Artist

• JeantheHustla (Rwanda)
• Ozee B and Success K (Nigeria)
• Remiray (Cameroon)
• Gui Gui Love (Cameroon)
• SlimFlex (Ghana)
• Richy Jay (Haiti)

Best Music Video

• Tolumide (Nigeria)
• Richy Jay (Haiti)
• Nelly Luv (Cameroon)
• Almalie, Roody Hypolite and Greg Idefix (Haiti)

Best Afro Music Event Organizer

• KPopsy Entertainment
• Prince George Entertainment
• Producer/DJ Soul
• Microbell Media Group (MMG)

Best Featuring

• Aly feat Cheka (Guinea)
• Remiray feat Petit Pays (Cameroon)
• Slim flex feat Samantha Cross (Ghana and Guyana)
• Almalie, Roody Hypolite and Greg Idefix - Aphrodisiak ( Haiti)
• Slykiz ft Robbie G

Best Male Voice

• Slim Flex (Ghana)
• Izzy La Force Tranquille (Cameroon)
• Richy Jay (Haiti)
• Gui Gui Love (Cameroon)

Best Female Voice

• Missy BK (Cameroon)
• Mis Blandine (DRC)
• Bellaa Tee (Ghana)
• Micheline Ewang (Cameroon)

Best Male Revelation

• Clo Clo Claudel (DRC)
• La Morsure (Cameroon)
• LOTi (Nigeria)
• Izzy La Force Tranquille (Cameroon)
• Franchize Achofene (Ghana)
• MC Zogho (Cameroon)
• B2L (DRC)

Best Female Revelation

• Monna Muse (Ivory Coast)
• Gbessa Fanta Dioubaté (Guinea)
• Bella Tee (Ghana)
• Eudora Aletta (Liberia)

Best Live Performer

• Mis Blandine (DRC)
• Amara Kanté (Guinea)
• Trinity Mpho (Botswana)

Best Traditional-inspired Song

• Amadou Kienou (Burkina Faso)
• Cheka Katenen (Guinea)
• Sonia Aimy (Nigeria)