Café Ngoma Awards in Kenya: All the winners

Café Ngoma Awards is an initiative that seeks to celebrate musicians, businesses and personalities within the alternative space in Kenya.

This year's event saw 23 plaques awarded across 18 categories and five honorary award recipients recognised. The winners were decided by public votes and the organisers say they are committed to growing the scheme into one of the biggest events in the Kenyan entertainment calendar through stakeholder and public engagement.

“The 2022 show was an incredible experience,” Café Ngoma Awards organiser Steve Chege said. “Apart from celebrating the current movers and shakers, the ceremony also honoured veteran musician Suzanne Gachukia-Opembe, actor Jimmi Gathu, music and film executive Fakii Liwali, teacher and philanthropist Clifford Oluoch and pioneer producer Lucas Bikedo for their visionary leadership and great contribution to society and the arts. We also had the first reggae award winner after the category was introduced this year due to public demand.”

Below is the full list of winners:

Alternative DJ of the Year

• Andy DJ
• DJ Fita
• DJ Mura
• DJ Tai
• Mr LU

Best Jazz Act of the Year

• Douglas Mwamba
• Jack Muguna
• Maskani Big Band
• Michelle Gatuiku
• Thirdscore Band

Best New Artist

• African Muse Band
• Dhahabu Music
• Ethan Muziki & Watendawili
• Maria Gakenye
• N'jiru

African Fusion Artist of the Year

• Brian Sigu
• Fadhilee Itulya
• Kwame Rigii
• Okello Max
• Shari Afrika

Classical Act of the Year

• Caleb Wachira
• Judah Onesimus
• Masala Sefu
• Nairobi String Quartet
• The Four Sopranos

Crossover Acts

• Hornsphere
• Tha Movement
• The Dagoz Nomads
• Tina Ardor
• Wanavokali

Dance Artist of the Year

• Agelloh Davillah
• Blackwarriors Dancers
• Dance Republic Africa
• Moya David
• Sifa Flex

Poetry/Spoken Word Influence of the Year

• Gufy Dox
• Mufasa the Poet
• Saumu Kombo
• Teller254

Instrumentalist of the Year

• Analo Kanga
• Ivano Bass
• Ivy Alexander
• Kasiva Mutua
• Moseh Drummist

New Age Contemporary Artist of the Year

• Flier
• Kelele Kollektiv
• Njoki Karu and Newman Owor
• Tetu Shani
• Wamugunda

Hip Hop Artist of the Year

• Anonymous Poets
• Chris Kaiga
• Scar Mkadinali
• Sichangi
• Steph Kapela

Producer of the Year

• Ethan Muziki
• MG
• Provoke
• So Fresh
• Wuod Omollo Beats

R&B Artist of the Year

• Karun
• Lisa Oduor- Noah
• Nikita Kering
• Noel Nderitu
• Nviiri the Storyteller

Songwriter of the Year

• Bensoul
• Lisa Oduor- Noah
• Michelle Gatuiku
• Nviiri the Storyteller
• Olivia Ambani

Soul Artist of the Year

• Bensoul
• Billy Black
• Ethan Muziki and Watendawili
• Muthaka
• Olivia Ambani

Best Reggae Act

• Mariah Ngoma
• Lavosti
• Gravitti Band
• Cathy Matete
• Becky Muthoni

Best Alternative Sport Personality

• Adel Balala (Golf)
• Angella Okutoyi (Tennis)
• Belinda Akoth (Shooting)
• Martin Njoroge (Chess)
• Winny Langat (Weight lifting)

Best Alternative Organisation of the Year

• David Gathu and Moses Kinyua
• Geco Café
• Izzy MB
• Spring Valley Coffee
• Wanyururu

Honorary Awards recipients

• Leadership Award – Jimmi Gathu
• Pioneer Award – Suzanne Gachukia-Opembe
• Best Contribution to Music – Fakii Liwali
• Humanitarian Award – Clifford Oluoch
• Legendary Award – Lucas Bikedo (Ogopa DJs)