Despite being Kenyan-based the scheme awards artists from a variety of countries, predominately Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and incorporates a range of music genres.The event will run under the theme, "MUSIC CONNECTS". History
Named after the Swahili word for "well" the Kisima Awards were founded by Tedd Josiah in 1994. The scheme initially aimed to recognise outstanding achievement in the perform
ing arts and associated spheres such as education and business, and was held locally at Nairobi's Braeburn Theatre with clay tropheys being awarded. This process continued annually with the awards being held at the Carnivore Restaurant, however in 1997 the scheme was discontinued. The awards were revitalised in 2003, with organisers 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 customised Kisima Dome tent and targeted artists from across the nation. However rather than all performing arts the new awards now recognised 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 recognised musicians from Uganda and Tanzania. In 2005 Tedd Josiah stepped down as CEO of the awards amid controversy surrounding his winning of the Best Producer Award, appointing Victor Mayeya Odwori in his place. Vision
Music as a career
Create a stable and solid structure that will support and sustain the desirability of music by local artistes while generating income for a living. Mission
Promote and expose local talent nationally and internationally give added support to the local music industry diversifying the avenues that will be opened and support through advocacy, marketing and opening lucrative channels to build and develop an industry that is self reliant
