2004 Kisima Music Awards

The 2004 Kisima Music Awards recognised and rewarded music talent in Kenya. The Kisima Music Awards ceremony was held on June 19, 2004 at Carnivore.[1] The ceremony was hosted by veteran music artist Eric Wainaina and radio presenters Patricia Amira and Robert Warobi.[2]

This year's awards featured a newly expanded scheme which aimed to incorporate artists from across East Africa, most predominantly Uganda and Tanzania.[3] It was also a source of controversy when the organisation's CEO Tedd Josiah was awarded the category for Best Producer.[4] Additionally many of the artists from his production house Blu Zebra were declared winners.[3] He subsequently resigned citing a conflict of interest.

There was further concern over how winners were chosen. The voting system used SMS text messaging. There was no system in place to prevent a person from voting multiple times.[4] It was noted before the ceremony that radio play was skewed toward "well-connected" musicians and that mainly young people vote.[3] The issue is that popular artists overshadowed lesser known but talented musicians.

Winners

Category Winner
Afro Fusion/Benga/Gospel Artist of the Year Zipporah Muoso
Most promising Artist/Group of the year Abbi
R&B Artist/Group of the Year Didge
Best Music Video of the Year Kenyan Gal Kenyan Boy - Necessary Noize[5]
Central/Eastern Benga Group of the Year Kayamba Africa
Best Female Artist of the Year from UG & TZ Ray C
Ragga Artist/Group of the Year Necessary Noize[5]
Bumba Pop Artist Nameless
Best Music Producer of the Year Tedd JosiahBlu Zebra
Song of the Year Hallo Hallo – Wakimbizi
Traditional Group of the Year Kenge Kenge
Western Benga Artist/Group of the Year Jomenes
Best Music Video of the Year from UG & TZ AmbassadaWatoto Inkane
Coastal Artist/Group of the Year Uyoga
Best Female Artist of the Year Mercy Myra
Best Overall Group of the Year Necessary Noize[5]
Best Male Artist/Group of the Year from UG & TZ Deux Vultures
Best Male Artist/Group of the Year Abbi
Hip hop Artist/Group of the Year Wakimbizi
Contemporary Gospel Artist/Group of the Year Catherine Mueni
Afro Fusion Artist/Group of the Year Yunasi[6]
Best Bhangra Artist/Group of the Year Amrik Singh & DJ Gupz – Naktra

References

  1. ^ Muganda, Clay (22 June 2004). "Kenya: Awards Night Showcased Well of Talent". allAfrica. Daily Nation. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  2. ^ "Kisima Awards". Kisima Music Awards. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  3. ^ a b c Ondego, Ogova (16 June 2004). "Kisima Music Awards Haunt Organisers". ArtMatters.Info. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  4. ^ a b "Kisima Music Awards". Janeson. 17 December 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  5. ^ a b c "Kenya: New Musicians Dominate the Kisima Awards". allAfrica. The Standard. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  6. ^ "Yunasi". Busara Promotions. Retrieved 14 March 2026.