FORMER President Jakaya Kikwete has expressed his gratitude for being decorated during the Tanzania Music Awards (TMA) event held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.
Kikwete who didn’t attend the occasion due to a busy schedule, spoke through a telephone after being named as a beneficiary of the award and thanked those who nominated him among the awardees.
“I would like to thank all those who have acknowledged my support towards uplifting the music industry in the country.
“I was just fulfilling leadership responsibilities by ensuring that our artistes are being given a good environment for them to shine and to be recognised with an award, it is a big thing to me,” the former president said.
However, it was a good day for Zuhura Othman ‘Zuchu’, who clinched five awards on the day as she continues to do well in the industry hence a role model to many upcoming singers.
She went home with the Best Female Artiste of the Year Award, the Best Video of the Year (Mwambieni), the Best Female Bongo Fleva song (Kwikwi) and the Best Female Artiste ‘People’s Choice.’
The Best Collaboration went to Ray Vanny featuring Diamond Platnumz ‘Nitongoze,’ while Mbosso seized Best Male Artiste Bongo Fleva Award.
Rosa Ree went home with Best Female Hip Hop Artiste Award whereas Best Song of the Year Award was claimed by Jay Melody’s ‘Nakupenda.’
The Best Male Artiste ‘Singeli’ Award went to Dulla Makabila while Melody Mbassa was decorated with the Best Dance Artiste Award.
A number of different artistes were also decorated on the day as they cherished their talents and government has already stressed that it will continue to create an enabling atmosphere for the artistes to enjoy.