Claude Kabengera: expects glamour at Salax Awards. Photo/facebook
Despite numerous artistes walking out of this year’s edition of Salax Awards, organizers still remain upbeat that the usual glamour that comes along with the accolades will be there.
Claude Kabengera, one of the founding members of Ikirezi Group Ltd, the pioneering company behind the awards, has reiterated that no matter what happens fans of Rwandan music will be treated to a colorful and entertaining show, come March 5.
Dream Boyz, Jay Polly, Tom Close, Knowless Butera and Uncle Austin are some of the big names who have officially announced their disinterest in the awards citing their concerns over lack of clear criteria in fair nominations as well as the predictability of the eventual outcome.
But despite all those allegations, Kabengera insists that the awards will take place as usual and that no one will miss those who’ve walked out.
“We really don’t care about that because the awards are meant to reward the efforts of those musicians who made a difference for a whole year. When you feel you are not good enough, then it’s your choice not take part in them.
“What is surprising is that some of these musicians have at one time been recognized by the same awards they are now blasting day in day out.
For us we feel it’s a blessing in disguise because there are other musicians out there who are dreaming of having a golden opportunity to be nominated in these awards. And once the likes of Tom Close walked out, we immediately picked them up.”
From top clockwise: Uncle Austin, Jay Polly, Dream Boyz and Knowless Butera, are some of the musicians who’ve turned their backs on Salax Awards
Already, Ikirezi Group Ltd has replaced all musicians who withdrew their candidatures in different categories and voting has already begun, with the grand finale scheduled for March 5.
