Rwandan music artiste Jean Paul Nduwimana, known by his stage name Noopja, Gakondo music singer Sophie Nzayisenga, and rapper Angell Mutoni emerged victorious at the inaugural African Music Academy Awards (AMA Awards) on Thursday.
The Rwandan artistes were among six regional creatives selected from a pool of 72 candidates, who were chosen by the Academy’s representatives from various music professions on March 31 to participate in the event’s first edition.
Mutoni secured the title of Best Song Composer, Noopja won Best Music Producer, and Nzayisenga was honored as Best Musician. Other award recipients included Thasi Ponda from DR Congo, Benin’s Petit Miguelito, and Liliana Escobar.
According to a statement from the African Music Academy, the awards will be personally presented to each winner by national delegates of the Academy.
Noopja expressed immense pride and motivation from receiving the AMA Award, viewing it as a significant honor for his music career and a source of pride for Rwanda, a nation pivotal in transforming the creative industry.
“It is a big step for us when Africa recognizes our work. The big dream I have now is to go beyond Africa and take over the world. We are ready to do what has never been done before in the Rwandan music industry,” Noopja stated.
Addressing his win in the best producer category, Noopja emphasized that the award celebrates those who have paved the way for music creators and shaped the next big stars of Africa. “Supporting artistes, giving them opportunities, helping a lot of talented young people to find their dream is the essence of my journey. And the journey continues,” added Noopja, who is also the Founder and CEO of Country Records.
Country Records previously won Best Music Studio at the East Africa Music & Entertainment Awards, while KOZZE, the in-house producer, received the Best Music Producer of Excellence award.
Founded in 2014, the African Music Academy (AMA) aims to promote pan-African music from the continent and the diaspora through education, professional outreach, and special awards. Its founding members include Angélique Kidjo, Chris Blackwell, Wally Badarou, Jean-Noël Tronc, Blick Bassy, and the late Manu Dibango.
