Kenyans won in a number of categories at this year’s East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards, with several top talents taking home major honours in an award ceremony dominated by Tanzanians.
The annual awards ceremony celebrates artistic excellence across East Africa.
Leading the charge was Bien-Aimé Baraza, known for his solo work and as one-fourth of the acclaimed group Sauti Sol, who won three awards, taking home Best Male Artist, Best Male Live Performer and an award for Best Collaboration for the song “Nairobi” alongside Marioo.
Gospel and Arbantone artist Mr Seed took home the award for Best Arbantone, a genre fusing Gengetone and Riddim sounds.
Celebrating the win, Mr Seed thanked his fans and management.
“I am so happy for winning this award…thank you to all my Starborn clan out here for taking your time to vote for this song #Diva as The Best Arbantone sound in Kenya. To my team, my management, let’s keep on pushing…” he said.
Reality star and rapper KRG the Don also took home the award for Best Afro-Dancehall fusion for his single “Time Bomb” featuring Konshens. Like Mr Seed, he thanked his fans for their efforts as well as everyone involved in making the single.
“This is for my realest fans. We did it together. Thank you! Special S/o to Konshens, my producers, video directors, dancers, Djs and everybody else who did something on this project. You guys are awesome. Many More wins to come. Not to forget, without God nothing is possible.”
The award ceremony also featured a number of upcoming musicians, including rising artist Qare The Mask, who took home Best New Upcoming Artist of 2025 at the award ceremony, marking a major milestone in his fast-rising career.
Qare, who had been nominated in four categories, shared the news with fans in an emotional Instagram post.
“I want to thank God for this incredible blessing,” he wrote. “I am truly humbled to share that I’ve been nominated for four awards and have won the Best New Upcoming Artist of 2025!
“This journey has been made possible by your endless support and encouragement. I am so grateful to have each of you by my side. Thank you for believing in me and lifting me up! With all my love and gratitude.”
Similarly, emerging artist Ila Nia was awarded Best Breakthrough Music Video for her collaboration with Nameless, cementing her as a fresh visual and musical voice to watch in 2025.
Leading the charge in media, emerging radio host Azeezah Hashim took home three awards – Best Female Event Host, Best Media Personality and Best Radio Host.
Away from music and media, entrepreneur Jimal Rohosafi also won an award for Best Emerging Art of Business Icon.
“Greatly honored and humbled to receive this recognition. I sincerely appreciate all who voted for me. Looking forward to the journey ahead,” he said.
