By: Bakary Ceesay
Sona Jobarteh, Gambia’s female kora player singer has been nominated as best female artist of Central and West Africa In Africa Entertainment Awards USA.
Jobarteh has been performing with the kora – a 21-stringed African harp — on the world stage since she was five years old, becoming the first professional female kora player in the West African country of The Gambia.
As well as being an acclaimed performer, Jobarteh is a scholar in the field of traditional West African Mande music, and it was during her studies at SOAS University in London that she came to a realization.
The nominees for the Africa Entertainment Awards USA have been announced ahead of the awards ceremony at the Jim Wise Theater in New Jersey on 12 December.
Innoss’B, Sho Madjozi, Diamond Platnumz and Burna Boy are among the nominees.
Now in their sixth year, the awards seek to reward excellence in entrepreneurship, community leadership and the entrainment industry in Africa and the diaspora.
Fans can vote for their favourite acts in the 24 categories via the Africa Entertainment Awards USA official website(link is external). Below is the full list of nominees:
Best Male Artist: Diamond Platnumz, Eddy Kenzo, Wiz Kid, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Davido, Burna Boy, Mohamed Abbas, Fally Ipupa and Jahllano.
Best Female Artist: Zahara, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Nandy
Sho Madjozi, Sha Sha, Sheebah Karungi, Rema Namakula, Aya Nakamura and Kenza Mosli.
Best Hip hop/Rap: Sho Madjozi, Khaligraph Jones, Feffe Bussi
Elgrande Toto, Medikal, Kiff No Beat, R2Bees, YCee, Cassper Nyovest, and Ami Yerewolo,Hottest Group Sauti Sol.
Best Life Music:Weusi, B2C, Navy Kenzo, R2 bees, Toofan
Calema, Dope Nation, Mobbers
Best Collaboration:Blow My Mind – Davido ft. Chris Brown Chibonge – Abbah ft. Marioo, G Nako and Byter Beast
Yope Remix – Innoss’B ft. Diamond Platnumz, Pedra – Preto show ft. Filho do zua, Uami ndongadas and Teo no Beat
Shekere – Yemi Alade ft. Angelique Kidjo Jerusalema Remix – Master KG ft. Burna Boy Already – Beyonce ft. Shatta Wale
Bai – Soraia ft. Lisandro, Pepeta – Nora Fatehi ft. Rayvanny
Nominate – Stonebwoy ft. Keri Hilson
Best Music Video:Jeje – Diamond Platnumz, Pedra – Preto Show ft. Filho do Zua, Uami Ndongadaand Teo no Beat, Anybody – Burnaboy Shekere – Yemi Alade, Angelique Kidjo Kainama – Harmonize ft. Burna Boy and Diamond Platnumz Sunday – Slick Stuart and DJ Roja ft. Allan Toniks Kanet Bayna – Kenza morsli
1M – Perola Amen – Mr Leo Ololo – Stonebwoy ft. Teni
Entertainer of the Year: Burna Boy, Wizkid, Innoss’B, Diamond Platnumz, Eddy Kenzo, Rayvanny, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Harmonize and Jah Prayzah
Best Dancer/ Group: Triplets Ghetto Kids, Afro Afrique, Papi Ojo
Masaka Kids African, Scro Que Cuia, Os Moikanos, Fire K Stars
Melinda Etienne, The Jaiy Twins and Dancegod Lloyd.
Best DJ: DJ Roja, DJ Moh, DJ Cuppy, SLICK Stuart, DJ Shimza, DJ Nelasta, DJ Tunez, DJ Sinyorita, DJ Xclusive and DJ K Meta.
Best Francophonie: Innoss’ B, Barbara Kanam, Mr. Leo, Fally Ipupa, Daphne, Wally B. Seck, Soul Bangs, Elgrande Toto, Dadju
Toofan
Best Palop Male Artist:Preto Show, Chetekela, Carla Prata
Matias Damasio, MR Bow, Yuri Da Cunha, Nelson Freitas, Djodje
Claudio Ishmael, Calema.
Best Palop Female Artist: Preta Negra, Soraia Ramos, Perola
Ary, Titica, Mayra Andrade, Yasmine, Josslyn, Elida Almeida and Yola Araujo.
Best New Artist: Daddy Andre, John Blaq, Ojayy Wright, Laycon
Masauti, Zuchu, Chetekela, YKee Benda, Mickael, Olakira
Song of the Year: Yope – Innoss’ B, Jerusalema – Master KG Anybody – Burnaboy, King Already – Beyonce ft. Shatta Wale
Parte After Parte – Bigtril, Sunday – Slick Stuart and DJ Roja ft. Allan Toniks, Te Amo – Calema, Tweyagale – Eddy Kenzo, Adoço – Edgar Domingos , Risky – Davido ft. Popcaan
Best Upcoming/Local Artist: KG, Biqo, Halison Paixao, HSK
Mide, Bones, Anita Kalule, Papi Ojo, King Tappa, Mark Batson
Best Male Artist Central/West Africa: Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy
Davido, Burna Boy, Wally Seck, Fally Ipupa, Preto Show, Stanley, Enow, Rema and Soul Bangs.
Best Male Artist – East/South/North Africa: Diamond Platnumz
Rayvanny, Elgrande Toto, Harmonize, The Ben, Alikiba, Eddy Kenzo, Teddy Afro, Jah Prayzah and Bruce Melodie.
Best Female Artist –Central/West Africa: Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Teni, Aya Nakamura, Sona Jobarteh, Efya, Charlotte Dipanda, Shan’L, Zeynab and Ami Yerewolo.
Best Female Artist – East Africa/South/North Africa: Nadia Mukami, Nandy, Zahara, Tanasha Donna, Liloca, Sha Sha
Sheebah Karungi, Maua Sama, Haidy Moussa and Spice Diana.
Best African Comedian: Eric Omondi, Mammito Eunice
Bovi, Eddie Kadi, Patrick Salvador, Daliso Chaponda, Loyiso Gola
Anne Kansiime, Gilmario Vemba and Calado Show.
Best Host TV/Radio: Lwanga Douglas, Lil Ommy, Zuleica Wilson, Bonang Matheba, Amina Abdi Rabar, Willis Raburu, VJ Adams, Moet Abebe, Momo Bousfiha and Fred Jossias.
Best Dancehall Act: Shatta Wale, Winky D, Jose Chameleon,
Prince Bright, Patoranking, Bebe Cool, Sheebah Karungi
Stonebwoy, Samini, Navy Kenzo
Best Gospel Artist: Aline Gahongayire, Levixone, Sinach
Dena Mwana, Nathaniel Brassey, Glowreeyaah Bramah, Israel Mbonyi, Gloria Muliro, Winnie Mashaba and Joe Mettle.
Best Influencer: Platinaline, Tunde Ednut, Moz Paparazzi
The Hot Jem, David Bayingana, George Brittongh, Instablog9ja
Phylx Entertainment, Edgar Obare and Victor Kange.
