Kili music awards hot as ever

Dar es Salaam. The Kilimanjaro Music Award competition has become synonymous with shocks, disappointments and triumph over the years and this weekend’s edition was no different.

Featuring an array of themed performances which saw the return of long lost Saida Karoli on the big stage, the event was kicked off by poet Mrisho Mpoto, later to be followed by many others.

On the night that brought together Tanzania’s socialites, so much was bound to happen at Dar es Salaam’s Mlimani City Hall, as rapper Kala Jeremiah rose from years of disappointment to record a hat-trick.

The rapper outshone his compatriots in the Song of the Year category, Best Hip Hop Song Composer and Best Hip Hop Artiste for his song ‘Dear God’.

The ecstatic rapper was spell bound after he was declared winner for the third time on the night.

“I am so elated to be here tonight, the list is rather long for those I can thank for without them this victory wouldn’t have been possible,” said the former Bongo Star Search (BSS) contestant.

Also in the category of those who scored a hat-trick of victories was Bongo Flava heartthrob Ommy Dimpoz, who made a repeat of last year by taking the Best Collabo of the Year category.

Featuring the hitherto unknown VJ and radio presenter Vanessa Mdee, the two clinched the Best Collabo and Bongo Pop category for their single, ‘Me and You’.

Ommy Dimpoz’ win was extended when his hit single, ‘Baadae,’ scooped the Video of the Year award, a feat that the singer admitted wasn’t easy.

“This video was a tall order, as I couldn’t afford the production fees and if it was not for Zitto Kabwe [the lawmaker for Kigoma North] and my producer Adam Juma, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he said.