Influential gospel ministers Coopy Bly, Grace Nakimera and JohnMarie Ssengendo were among the big winners as the 2 annual Vine Awards that seek to recognize and reward Christians who have excelled in various spheres, returned to Kampala on Sunday.
Thanks to her single ‘Kabaka Kristo,’ Grace Nakimera, who a few years back committed to working for the Lord full time after quitting secular music, received the ‘Song of the Year’ accolade.
“Akikwasaganya,” singer, writer and producer Coopy Bly alias Emmanuel Kusasira Edwin was crowned artist of the year. In 2013, Coopy Bly in partnership with his wife Anne-Marie Reddan founded Yimba Uganda, a non-government organization that equips Ugandan youth with sustainable income generating skills through vocational training and education.
Their effort were commended. The duo scooped the Social Impact Award.
JohnMarie Ssengendo walked away with the ‘Album of the Year’ accolade for his Siffe album. Levixone won ‘African Act of the Year’ and ‘Video of the Year’ for ‘Celebrate,’ a single with singer Beza Deborah.
Events Mcee and former radio host, Ronnie Habbasa hosted the virtual awards streamed across various media platforms including the VET Network, and supported by Dream TV, LightHouse Television, Power 104.1 FM, Thrive360 and Family TV Uganda.
Even as several stars celebrated their recognition, there was still room for dozens of talents, both fresh and familiar, to shine at one of gospel music’s biggest virtual annual gatherings. Some of the performers included Sandra Suubi, Grace Nakimera, Levixone, Lyrical Mycheal, Barna Birungi and Coopy Bly.
The awards also paid homage to first responder heroes who are on the front lines in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
Legendary gospel group Limit X, one of the greatest musical exports from Africa, won the Honorary Award. Ronnie Habbasa explained that the group members — Dennis Sempebwa, Paul Mutebi, Paul Serukenya and Isaac Ruccibigango — came together in 1987 after 13 years of pursuing solo careers.
The four band members were all youth ministers and worship leaders at the Miracle Centre Church in Kampala. The group has toured over 50 countries around the world. The last time they held a concert in Uganda was in 2017.
“We appreciate and honor your relentless contributions towards edifying the body of Christ but also the Christian community at large with positivity in your influence,” the event organisers said in a statement 28 June.
Full List of Winners:
- African Act of the Year – Levixone
- Artist of the Year – Coopy Bly
- Song of the Year – ‘Kabaka Kristo’ by Grace Nakimera
- Album of the Year – Siffe – by JohnMarie Ssengendo
- Video of the Year – Celebrate – Beza Deborah Ft Levixone
- New Artist of the Year – Mildred
- DJ of the Year – DJ Pius
- Comedian of the Year – Uncle Mark
- Dance group of the Year – Paul Selah and the Hype Squad
- Spoken Word Act of the Year – Juliet Namukasa
- Honorary Award – Limit X
- Sports Act of the Year – Joshua Cheptegei
- Film Act of the Year – Steven Ayenyi
- Leadership Impact Award – Allen Kagina
- Junior Impact Award – Proclaim Music
- Social Impact Award – Yimba Uganda
- Education Impact Award – Judith Adongo
- Family Impact Award – Lydia Nyesingomwe
- Media Impact Award – Nancy Kacungira
- Business Impact Award – Jennifer Mwijukye
