GOSS Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Dr Martin Elia Lomuro holds the trophy at the Awards Ceremony
By Juma John Stephen
The event held at Nyakuron Cultural Center was presided over by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs in the Government of Southern Sudan Dr Martin Elia Lomuro.
“The Southern Sudan African Music Award for 2010, artist of the year is Lasu Emma” , the chairperson of Harlem Entertainment Oba Cecilia announced.
“I am proud of you Lasu Emma and Emmanuel Kembe and I am optimistic you can compete internationally following what I have seen you do here today. We need people who can think and own their freedom”, said Dr Lomuro who presented the awards.
He further thanked Southern Sudan Beverages Limited for supporting the event.
“Some of the songs make me feel like flying”, said Ms Oba.
Ms Oba said Harlem Entertainment was established in order to build the musical talent of South Sudanese artists by giving annual awards to encourage them to compose meaningful and developmental songs.
She added that the initiative was conceived after many artists complained of not being recognized for their contribution to peace and development through art in South Sudan.
The hip-hop category won by Lam Tungwar with the song I’m a messenger while the gospel artist of the year category was won by Baraza Emma who outshone Mary Butul and a number of artists.
“Yes! Our music is now recognised. I will do my best as a gospel artist to free this country from sin”, said an elated Baraza.
Unique Arafat won the Afro-beat category with the song, Bera bera fatisu bera bera ita be ligo while Emmanuel Kembe is the South Sudanese reggae artist of the year.
In the rhythm and blues category, Koozos Clan emerged victorious with the song Benia Juba while Hadia Badi won the female Artist of the year award with her song Habi bi ye
Freedom Boyz’s lo-kwilili was declared the the song of the year while JJD Musica International won the best male artist of the year award.