The launch of Music Awards Rwanda in August was well received by many, but a few months after the hype nothing has been achieved. This has created doubt about whether it will kick off.

The award show was created out of necessity by over ten music lovers and proprietors who include former managers of artistes, actors and journalists. The aim was to promote the growth of the local music industry.

The Music Awards Rwanda was supposed to kick off with nominations of artistes in August, with a grand finale slated for December 1. But, nothing has happened as yet.

Rwanda Today has learnt that the event’s organisers introduced some changes to the premiere of this event.“We already have everything all set, but we don’t want to initiate it just yet,” said Makenzie Sendagire, one of the event’s committee members.

For organisers, there was a clash in the event’s calendar because its timing must factor when the audience and artistes are all available.

“Several artistes are in plans to hold concerts and we don’t want this to interfere with the show,” Sendagire added.

The event’s management decided to change the inaugural date to January 2019.

With the event trying to find its footing in the local events market, which has in the past been termed tricky The organisers refute claims that the event is short of funds, or that it has delayed due to a fear of the market.

The event follows the Salax Music Awards, an event started in 2008, which looked to also award artistes, but did not last to mark its seventh edition.

Another one is the Groove Awards Rwanda, which is an annual music award show that fetes local gospel musicians.

The Primus Guma Guma Super Star music competition is another award show that has been around for the past eight years. However, it only targets secular, well-established musicians.

Music Awards Rwanda currently has 16 categories including afro pop, R & B, afro-beat, best DJ, gospel, life time achievement award and best producer. It promises to have more categories as the event grows.

The event plans to introduce a category appreciating both new and legendary musical acts. 

Organisers confirmed that they have a five-year plan and a budget to facilitate it.