The 2005 Kisima Music Awards marked another milestone in Kenya’s biggest music celebration, continuing the East African expansion introduced in 2004. The ceremony embraced artists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and even diaspora performers, reflecting the growing influence of regional music.
The event was hosted by celebrated emcee Tedd Kwaka (Big Ted), alongside Diana Muyera from Uganda and entertainment mogul Kevin Ombajo, creating a dynamic, cross-border presentation. The night reinforced Kisima’s role as the premier stage for recognizing musical excellence across genres such as hip hop, gospel, benga, R&B, reggae, and Afro fusion.
Major Winners
The 2005 Kisima Music Awards honored both veteran and rising stars. Notable winners included Pili Pili, who dominated with multiple awards, and Harry Kimani, whose artistry won him both Song of the Year and Best Music Video (Kenya).
- Afro Fusion Artist of the Year – Kaz
- Asian Music Award – Gupz
- Boomba Rap Artist of the Year – Pili Pili
- Boomba Pop Artist of the Year – Xyzee
- Contemporary Gospel Artist of the Year – Esther Wahome
- Eastern Benga Artist of the Year – Musaimo
- Gospel Ensemble of the Year – Ruth Wamuyu
- Hip Hop Artist/Group of the Year – Ukoo Fulani Mau Mau
- R&B Artist of the Year – Mbuvi
- Rap Artist of the Year – Bamboo
- Reggae/Ragga Artist of the Year – Redsan
- Traditional Artist/Group of the Year – Kenge Kenge
- Best Artist/Group from Tanzania – TID
- Best Artist/Group from Uganda – Blu*3
- Best Music Video from Uganda – Blu*3
- Western Benga Artist of the Year – Peter Khayadi
- Best Music Video from Kenya – Harry Kimani
- Best Song of the Year – Harry Kimani
- Best Collaboration – Pili Pili feat. Ratatat (Morale)
- Best Male Artist of the Year – Pili Pili
- Best Female Artist of the Year – Nyota Ndogo
- Most Promising Artist of the Year – Maximum Melodies
- Best Group of the Year – Kleptomaniax
- Producer of the Year – Clemo (Calif Records)
Legacy of the 2005 Kisima Music Awards
The 2005 Kisima Music Awards solidified the platform’s position as a regional celebration of East African music. Artists like Pili Pili, Redsan, Nyota Ndogo, and Kleptomaniax showcased the diversity of Kenyan talent, while Blu*3 and TID demonstrated the importance of cross-border collaboration.
Harry Kimani’s double win emphasized the rise of soulful, contemporary Kenyan music, while Clemo’s Producer of the Year award highlighted Calif Records’ dominance in shaping Kenya’s urban sound.
By recognizing Ukoo Fulani Mau Mau in hip hop and Redsan in reggae/ragga, Kisima also celebrated artists who were giving Kenyan urban music global credibility.
The 2005 edition remains a landmark for its inclusivity, genre diversity, and recognition of both established icons and emerging stars, ensuring Kisima’s role as the region’s most influential music awards ceremony.
