Once again, the HiPipo Music Awards raised the bar for musical excellence and showmanship in Uganda and beyond. From the onset, it was clear this year’s edition would be nothing short of extraordinary. By midday, social media was buzzing with glimpses of the breathtaking 200-metre-long red carpet and the magnificent stage setup, sparking a flood of “woooow!” comments.
As the evening unfolded, fans and celebrities arrived in droves, starting as early as 5 PM. They were warmly welcomed by the Police Brass Band, setting a patriotic tone, followed by a warm reception from the suave Calvin de Entertainer, who graced the red carpet as the host. By 8 PM, the Serena Victoria Ballroom was packed, ready for an unforgettable night.
The night kicked off with electrifying performances by DJ Mark Xtreme, Factor 1 Band, Gloria Buggie, and Pretty Banks, setting the tone for the vibrant energy that was to follow. Performers such as Abdu Mulaasi, Roden Y Kabako, Phoebe Nassolo, and Phina Mugerwa lit up the stage, backed by the legendary Factor 1 band led by veteran producer Henry Kiwuuwa.
As the awards segment began, the tension in the room rose, with winners announced one by one. Joshua Baraka emerged as one of the evening’s standout names, scooping both the East Africa Best Artist and East Africa Best Act/Song accolades, becoming the only solo artist to win two awards.
However, the true stars of the night were Kennedy Secondary School’s Stream of Life Choir, who made history as the first school to win the prestigious Artist of the Year award. The choir’s soul-stirring hit Lukusuuta also bagged Song of the Year, a testament to their unmatched melodies and the impactful message embedded in their gospel anthem. Their win marked a pivotal moment for school music in Uganda, showcasing that raw talent and authenticity transcend all boundaries.
Other notable winners included Acidic Vokoz, who claimed the Best Male Artist title, while Sheebah maintained her reign as the Best Female Artist. The audience was kept on their feet with more outstanding performances from the likes of Afande Miah & OJ, Viboyo, Ronald Mayinja, Acidic Vokoz, and the headline act, Stream of Life Choir.
The night also saw the presence of notable dignitaries, including Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, the State Minister for ICT, who emphasized the immense potential for job creation through talent. She congratulated all winners and applauded the Stream of Life Choir for raising the standard of school music.
HiPipo CEO Innocent Kawooya reflected on the choir’s groundbreaking win, calling it both a wake-up call for mainstream artists and a testament to the power of great music, regardless of its genre or origin.
Full List of Winners:
Africa Best Act/Song
- Diamond Platnumz x Jason Derulo ft Khalil Harisson & Chley – Komasava Remix
Africa Number One
- Navio
East Africa Best Artist
- Joshua Baraka
East Africa Best Act/Song
- Joshua Baraka – Dalilah
Best Regional Song
- Noela – Sikyawalira
Breakthrough Artist
- AaronX
Most Viral Song
- Lil Pazo – Enkuddi
Song of the Year
- Stream of Life Choir, Kennedy SS – Lukusuuta
Video of the Year
- Spice Diana x Anko Ronie – Forever
Best Male Artist
- Acidic Vokoz
Best Female Artist
- Sheebah
Artist of the Year
- Stream of Life Choir, Kennedy SS
The 2024 HiPipo Music Awards will undoubtedly be remembered as a celebration of talent, diversity, and the unifying power of music. For many, it was a night of triumph and inspiration, setting a new benchmark for future events.
