The 2007 Kisima Music Awards took place on 8 September 2007 at Marula Manor in Nairobi, Kenya. Building on the continental visibility of the 2006 edition, the 2007 ceremony continued to honor outstanding East African musicians while celebrating Kenya’s diverse soundscape, from Afro Fusion and hip hop to benga, gospel, and reggae.
The event spotlighted Kenya’s most influential artists of the decade while also recognizing talent from Uganda and Tanzania, reinforcing Kisima’s regional scope. Legendary figures like Eric Wainaina, Jua Cali, Amani, Wyre, and Tony Nyadundo emerged as top winners, alongside newcomers who were shaping the future of East African music.
Major Winners
The 2007 Kisima Awards winners list highlighted both established stars and rising voices:
- Afro Fusion Artist of the Year – Eric Wainaina (Kamare)
- Boomba Male Artist of the Year – Jua Cali (Bidii Yangu)
- Boomba Female Artist of the Year – Amani (Missing My Baby)
- Boomba Group of the Year – Nonini & P-Unit (Si Lazima)
- Contemporary Gospel Artist of the Year – Astar (Close Your Eyes)
- Eastern Benga Artist of the Year – John De’Mathew (Kiuria Kinene)
- Gospel Ensemble of the Year – Jemima Thiongo (Imani)
- Hip Hop Artist of the Year – Wakamba Wawili (Musiq ya Soul)
- R&B Artist of the Year – Nikki (Niwe Wako)
- Ragga Artist of the Year – Wyre (She Say Dat)
- Reggae Artist of the Year – Ras Luigi (My!)
- Traditional Artist of the Year – Tony Nyadundo (Obama)
- Western Benga Artist of the Year – Jamnazi (Riziki)
- Best Producer – Robert Kamanzi (R Kay)
Regional Winners
- Best Song from Uganda – Jose Chameleone ft. Professor Jay (Sivyo Ndivyo)
- Best Music Video from Uganda – Obsessions (Jangu)
- Best Song from Tanzania – Matonya (Vailet)
- Best Video from Tanzania – A.Y. (Usijaribu)
Additional Honors
- Best Collaboration – Artiste.ke (Tatizo)
- Best Music Video from Kenya – Eric Wainaina (Twende Twende)
- Best Song from Kenya – Eric Wainaina (Twende Twende)
- Most Promising Artist – Karma
- Best Male Artist (Kenya) – Jua Cali
- Best Female Artist (Kenya) – Jemima Thiongo
- Best Group (Kenya) – Wenyeji
- Social Responsibility Award – Gidigidi ft. Shaky, Fundi Frank & Die Hard (Wanaume Ibilisi)
- Lifetime Achievement Award – James Onyango Joel
Legacy of the 2007 Kisima Music Awards
The 2007 Kisima Music Awards are remembered as a turning point where Kenya’s veterans and emerging stars converged. Eric Wainaina dominated with Kamare and Twende Twende, while Jua Cali solidified his genge legacy with Bidii Yangu. Amani, Wyre, and Nikki showcased Kenya’s growing pop and R&B scene, while Tony Nyadundo’s “Obama” highlighted the strength of traditional Ohangla music.
The introduction of the Lifetime Achievement Award, given to James Onyango Joel, demonstrated Kisima’s commitment to honoring pioneers who laid the foundation for East African music. The Social Responsibility category continued to highlight artists using music for advocacy and community change.
By 2007, Kisima had fully established itself as East Africa’s premier music awards, recognizing talent across genres and borders, while setting the stage for new generations of musicians.
