Introduction
This time around, 2020 Kisima Music & Film Awards is audacious, deep and progressive. Focus will be use of digital nomination platforms and with a focus on Social Good to lead from the front in the wake of the global Corona Virus Pandemic. The use of digital nomination portal allows all of Africa’s bilingual diversities; Anglophones, Francophone and Lusophones to nominate their champions and heroes before the team of eminent, experienced panel of industry players, music scholars, veteran musicians and film artists picking the finalists.
Kisima Music & Film AWARDS 2020 will lead from the front by encouraging Artists to take their position as influencers of positivity and of key messages that encourage Africa resilience to the pandemic and renaissance.
Background
The predecessor of Kisima Music & Film Awards was an annual awards program that recognized musical talent in East Africa. Kisima is the Swahili word for “well” franchise is owned 100% by
The awards were revitalized in 2003, with organizers arranging to coincide its events with the Fête de la Musique. With increased funding and support from both government and sponsors, the new scheme featured updated nomination and voting processes; larger award ceremonies held at a customized Kisima Dome tent and targeted artists from across the nation. However rather than all performing arts the awards then recognized only musical talent. In 2004 the scheme was expanded to incorporate artists from all of East Africa, no longer restricting the talent to Kenya, and subsequently recognized musicians from Uganda and Tanzania.
The awards have since continued to expand, attracting international entrants and personalities, and have come to be an integral part of both Kenyan Music and Culture.
However, the 2008 event was repeatedly delayed and eventually held a year later. In 2013, Kisima Music & Film Awards predecessor was held for the last time before being rested to be reawakened in 2020.