Much might be known about Bebe Cool’s highly anticipated performance in the 5th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) as the Gagamel boss was locally mocked and trolled for being nominated at an awards show where his longtime musical and now political nemesis Bobi Wine was named Judge.

Fortunately for him, he scooped the award for Best East African Artiste beating off competition from two Tanzania artistes Diamond Platnumz and Harmonize and Kenyan rapper Kaligraph Jones among others. Bebe Cool, while posting on his Facebook page, acknowledged the contribution of his fans in the journey and dedicated the award to people he referred to as the “Silent Majority”.

However, less is known of Sandra Nankoma and Irene Namatovu who also emerged winners at the awards ceremony in Ghana, and better yet at a continental level. Nankoma, who is also previously known as Sandy Soul took home the award for Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music while Namatovu bagged the award for Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Traditional Music.

Nankoma opened her doors into the Ugandan music industry in 2009 when she collaborated with Sylvester Kabombo on a hip hop song that was titled “Fumbiro”. She has since then released several tracks including her hit singles, “Mercedes” and “Kaddugala”

Namatovu, on the other hand has had a long musical career spanning years and is a house hold name in local musical circles. She is mostly known for her songs Aliba Ani, Kuzaala Kujagaana, Bed Cover and Empeta among others. She is also wife to fellow music star Geoffrey Lutaaya.

Other winners at the awards ceremony were Nigeria’s Davido who won the African Best Artiste award, Nasty C who emerged the best South African Artiste and Falz from Nigeria also who won Best African Rapper award.
With a total of 36 categories, the 5th AFRIMA winners made up of both Regional and Continental categories.

The awards also honoured South African singer who is dubbed the “Princess of Africa” Yvonne Chaka Chaka with the AFRIMA Legendary Award. The music legend, has a career span of over 30 years with several hit albums and has performed for notable charity work using her successes in music to try and impact societal change in Africa.