In 2008 Richard Kaggwa had just returned from England, and because he was a keen music lover, he was interested in supporting artistes. When he gave it more thought, he realised it would make sense supporting women. That is how the idea of Diva Awards Africa (DAA) occurred to him. He knew women were powerful and had influence in society.
Without finances but a dream, he went to launch the awards and went to the main regions of the country- the north, south, south-west, western and central profiling female singers in the respective regions.
Today he has expanded the awards to cover the region with an aim encouraging women to actively take part in all productive endeavors of life using music and dance as conveyors.
“This was to be achieved through recognising, appreciating and awarding women (DIVAS) that perform outstandingly in their different fields of work,” he explains. In 2009 Cindy took the accolade of Diva of the year, with a cash prize of Shs5m. He adds that female musicians have unique capabilities vocally, and choreographically, which remain largely unexplored.
Spreading out
Kaggwa observes that some of the most talented female artistes are those that are least known due to lack of finances and exposure. In the expansion of the awards last year, there was a launch in Kigali-Rwanda and Burundi. He will be rolling out to Tanzania next year
“We are holding Diva Awards Rwanda in November and we seek to recognise and award all outstanding women in Rwanda, alongside Ugandan upcoming female musicians to give them a platform outside Uganda,” Kaggwa reveals.
There will be a pre-season launch party on September, 13, at Club Ambiance. There are new awards to be given this year round in Humanitarian, Courageous, Music and Generosity awards.
rbatte @ug.nationmedia.com
