By HILARY KIMUYU
Musician Gilad Millo over the weekend won two All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). Gilad won AFRIMA awards for Best Male Artiste in Inspirational Music and Best Artiste in African Rock.
The former Israeli diplomat also gave a moving performance at the awards hosted in Lagos, Nigeria.
He recently launched his 16-track album, Asante
Speaking to Nairobi News, Mr Gilad said that he was more than happy to share the awards with Kenyans and everyone who supported him through the journey.
“Oh wow! It’s just unbelievable! I feel like my bond with Kenya has just been cemented. I am so thankful and grateful to all the people who voted for me, all the people who appreciate my music and the AFRIMA team too,” said Gilad.
Gilad’s new album, launched on his birthday, has 16 songs.
PHOTOS | FILE | COURTESY
He told Nairobi News that this album is a summary of his journey as a musician in Kenya so far.
American-born Senegalese singer Akon was the special guest at the award gala. Several Nigerian music bigwigs like Wizkid and 2baba were also in attendance.
Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, YCee, Wande Coal, 2baba, Adasa Cookey and Orezi were the Nigerian winners on the night.
Here is the full list of winners.
Best male artiste in Central Africa – Locko
Best female artiste in Central Africa – Montess
Best male artiste in Northern Africa – Shefi
Best female artiste in Northern Africa – Ibitssam Tiskat
Best male artiste in South Africa – Emtee
Best female artiste in South Africa – Thandiswa
Most influential African artiste – Neza
African fan favourite – The Dogg
Best African collaboration – Ali Beka
Best artiste in African jazz – Nduduzo Makhatini
Best artiste/group in African rock – Gilad Millo
Best in contemporary African RnB & soul – Eli Keba
Best Artiste in contemporary song – Wande Coal (Iskaba)
Best artiste in African raggae/dancehall – 2baba
Best artiste in African traditional – Halmelmal Abate
Best African hip-hop – Ycee
Best artiste in African pop – Tofaan
Best female artist in inspirational – Asike
Best male artiste in inspirational- Gilad
Video of the year – Orezi (Cooking Pot)
African legend award – Salif Keita and Oliver ‘Tutu’ Mtukudzi
Songwriter of the year – Simi
Best African group – Toofan
African discovery of the year – Shyfan
Producer of the year – DJ Cublon
Album of the year – Eddy Kenzo
Song of the year – Wizkid
Artiste of the year – Wizkid