Kenyan celebrities who had the best in 2018
Rafiki actors
Film director Ms Wanuri Kahiu, the brains behind ‘Rafiki’, got a shocker at the beginning of 2018 when the Kenya Film Classification Board banned the movie from being shown in Kenya. The board argued that its homosexual theme and clear intent to promote lesbianism in Kenya is contrary to the law.
This however did not deter Ms Wanuri from making the movie a success after it premiered at the Cannes film festival in France where they received a standing ovation. It was the first-ever film from Kenya to get a slot at the world’s most prestigious cinema festival.
Winners at African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards
’18 Hours’, a Kenyan film inspired by a true event, won the award of Best Movie at the 6th annual African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCAs) held in Lagos in September 2018, becoming the first Kenyan production to ever do so.
Other winners included Nice Wanjeri popularly known as Shiro won the Best Actress in a comedy and TV series in the popular sitcom of ‘Auntie Boss’. Dennis Wanjohi Maina emerged tops in the Best Documentary category for his documentary ‘The Flesh Business’. The film ‘Supa Modo’, also won in its category.
Rapper Khaligraph Jones and singer Papa Dennis win at Afrimma
Khaligraph won the Best Rap act of the year while Papa Dennis won Best gospel artiste of the year at the fifth edition of the Annual African Muzik Magazine Awards held in Dallas, Texas in October 2018. Tanzania artistes nominated at the awards went home empty handed.
Sauti Sol
The boy band made up of Savara, Bien Aime Barasa, Chimano and Polycarpruled airwaves with their song ‘Short and Sweet’, a collaboration with rapper Nyashinski.
Aggie the Dance Queen
Little was known about video vixen Aggie until she appeared on the video of Sauti Sol’s hit song ‘Short and Sweet’ where she is the lead dancer. She immediately went viral with her killer moves in a stripped multi coloured jumpsuit.
Amani Gracious
Popularly known as Amani G, this young girl from Githurai waltzed her way into the music industry and won the hearts of everyone. Her strong voice while singing Alicia Keys’ hit song ‘Girl on Fire’ made her get instant stardom that has seen her being signed by a local record label.
Gospel singer Timeless Noel
Timeless Noel was the toast of this year’s Groove Awards show, scooping up five awards including the coveted Song of the Year for his hit “Odi Dance”. He also walked away with Dance of the Year, Most Downloaded Skiza Tune, Hype man of the Year and Collabo of the Year.