Bebecool, Radio and Weasel dominate Hipipo awards

Bebe Cool thanks the crowd after receiving one of his awards. Photo by Faiswal Kasirye

What you need to know:

The production was topnotch. The timing was not. The third edition of the HMAs that took place on Saturday night at Wonder World, Kansanga, were supposed to kick off at 7pm. Typical of Africans, attendees arrived at 8pm, stopped by the red carpet for a few photo shots before making their way into the auditorium. The event then kicked off at 10pm

Years after the Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) Awards collapsed, Hipipo Music Awards (HMAs) live on as the only form of rewarding art in music. Unlike most awards that subject all nomination entries to scrutiny by judges, these awards are strictly based on the fans’ choice. With the theme, “The Fans Decide”, it is common knowledge that if you do not have a bevy of fans, you will not win.

The production was topnotch. The timing was not. The third edition of the HMAs that took place on Saturday night at Wonder World, Kansanga, were supposed to kick off at 7pm. Typical of Africans, attendees arrived at 8pm, stopped by the red carpet for a few photo shots before making their way into the auditorium. The event then kicked off at 10pm.

Radio & Weasel and Bebe Cool won big, with the former winning four accolades and the latter winning five. Goodlyfe bagged best R‘n’B song for Mowzey Radio’s Neera single, Best Duo/Group artistes, Song of the Year- Neera and Album of the Year.

Gagamel Family President, Bebe Cool pocketed Best Video of the Year, for his ‘Love You Every day’ single, Artiste of the Year, Best Reggae Song- Love You Every day, Best Concert Performance for his ‘Best of Bebe Cool concert that took place at Serena Hotel last year. Gagamel Fans walked away with a bull for winning in the category of Most Active Fan base on social media.

Bebe Cool gestures after scooping a number of Hipipo awards

Sheeba Karungi won Female Artiste of the Year whereas Irene Ntale walked away with the Best Zouk Song award for her ‘Gyobera’ single.

Nostalgia kicked in as the faded Clever Jay (donned in a black tee tucked in baggy jeans and a heavy metal belt that almost covered his entire lower abdomen… whispers in the auditorium had it that this belt seemingly weighted 10kgs) surprisingly hit the stage performing his hits “back in the day”, Manzi Wanani and Ensi yaleeta. Other performances came in from the Ghetto President, Bobi Wine, Ziza Bafana, Urban Boys from Rwanda and Radio & Weasel.

Full list of winners
Artiste of the Year
Bebe Cool
Female Artiste of the Year
Sheeba Karungi
Album of the Year
Amaaso/Ntunga- Radio and Weasel
Best Duo/Group
Radio and Weasel
Video of the Year
Love you Every day- Bebe Cool
Best Male Breakthrough Artist
Ziza Bafana
Best Female Breakthrough Artist
Spice Diana
Best Use of Social Media by Artist
Eddy Kenzo
Best Concert Performance
Best of Bebe Cool
Best Artist In Diaspora
Frank Luke
Best Young/Teen Artist
Abba Marcus
Best DJ
DJ Shiru
Song Of The Year
Neera- Mowzey Radio
East Africa Super Hit
Number one-Diamond Platinumz
Best Audio Producer
Diggy Bauer (Producer of Sitya Loss and Go Down Low)
Best Video Producer
Jah Live
Best Song Writer
Jamie Culture
Best Hip Hop Song
No Holding Back- Navio
Best Rnb Song
Neera- Mowzey Radio
Best Ragga Dancehall Song
Pomini- Ziza Bafana
Best Reggae Song
Love you Everyday- Bebe Cool
Best Religious Song
List Ya Mukama- Julie Mutesasira
Best Band Song
Akantu- David Lutalo
Best Kadongo Kamu Song
Irene Namatovu- Kazaala Kujagaanya
Best Zouk Song
Gyobera- Irene Ntale
Best Afropop Song
Go Down Low- Sheeba & Pallaso
Best Afrobeat Song
Mulirwana- King Saha
Most Active Fans Group
Gagamel Family
Lifetime Achievement Award
Joanita Kawalya