Tukuza Awards

Tukuza Awards is a Kenyan annual Gospel award that is organized in different parts of the country. The award is essentially geared towards uplifting, appreciating and awarding various talents within the gospel industry (Quincy Creative, 2024> ). Other than gospel artists, the award also celebrates personalities in the media industry such as those working for radio, TV, dancers and other gospel ministers (<Tukuza Awards, 2024). Every year, artists who make it at the top receive various awards including trophies, certificates, opportunities for music recording, media tours to selected media houses and other amazing gift vouchers (Tukuza Awards, 2024). History The Tukuza Awards was first launched in 2005 by Boniface Milimo alongside a group of brethren from diverse churches with a zeal to promote talents and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. The interdenominational Christian Organization got registered in the same year it was launched, that is 2005 (Quincy Creative, 2024). Milimo is currently the managing director of this organization. Since its launch, the Tukuza Network has been organizing a series of events each year in different counties and regions within Kenya with the purpose of reaching unidentified talents in communities. The network is also extended its operations in neighboring countries including Uganda and Tanzania ( Mbarikiwa Media Ministry, 2024). Categories There are over 65 categories of the award as at 28th September 2024 (Tukuza Awards, 2024) Solo Category Male and Female worship artist of the year Video of the year Audio of the year Hype/MC of the year Gospel spoken word of the year Media personality of the year Upcoming artist of the year Thanksgiving song of the year, Prayer song of the year, Inspiration preacher of the year, DJ of the year Urban song of the year People Living with Disability Group Category Dance group of the year Band of the year Street worship team of the year Praise team of the year Kikwetu choir of the year Live record of the year SDA choir of the year Evangelism team of the year Media Category Gospel radio show of the year Christian TV station of the year Community Radio station of the year Christian radio station of the year Media Tours and recording opportunities Each year, Tukuza Network organizes media tours for artists and personalities who have excelled in the industry as a way of celebrating them. This is usually arranged by the founder/director, Mr. Boniface Milimo who has an extensive network in the mainstream media industry (Mbarikiwa Media Ministry, 2024). The network also provides recording opportunities with various producers for artists who show potential but have no resources or capital (Tukuza Awards, 2024). Besides, Tukuza Awards has created a platform for the winners by organising outdoor concert in all 8 region in Kenya. The goal is to enable them to exercise and showcase their diverse talents.

References Mbarikiwa Media Ministry (2024) Tukuza Gospel Ministers. Available at: https://www.mbarikiwamedia.com/artiste/tukuza-gospel-ministers/ Tukuza Awards (2024) About us. Accessed from https://tukuzaawards.co.ke/. Tukuza Awards Nominations (2024) Welcome to Tukuza Awards Nominations 2024. https://nominations.tukuzaawards.co.ke/ Quincy Creative (2024) Tukuza Awards Partners with Quincy Creative to Celebrate Gospel Artistes. Available at: https://quincycreative.co.ke/https-quincycreative-co-ke-tukuza-awards-partners-with-quincy-creative-to-celebrate-gospel-artistes/