Meddy, Element and Adrien Misigaro Miss Out at 2024 HiPipo Music Awards

Joshua Baraka emerged as the star of the night, winning East Africa Best Artist and the East Africa Best Act/Song awards for his hit track 'Dalilah'. Speaking on stage, Baraka expressed gratitude, saying, "I was overwhelmed with emotion, but I thank everyone for the love and support—it’s truly amazing." He beat top contenders, including Diamond Platnumz, Bien, Sheebah, and Zuchu.  

Meddy and Adrien Misigaro’s track 'Niyo Ndirimbo' had been nominated for East Africa Best ACT/Song but lost to Baraka’s 'Dalilah'. Similarly, Element Eleeeh was among the nominees for East Africa Best Artist but did not clinch the award.  

Other big winners included Sheebah Karungi as Best Female Artist and Acidic Vokoz as Best Male Artist. The Breakthrough Artist of 2024 award went to Aaronx, while Africa Best Act was claimed by Diamond Platnumz and collaborators for their track 'Komasava'.  

The HiPipo Music Awards have seen Rwandan winners in the past. In 2018, Bruce Melodie won East Africa Best Breakthrough Artist, while Charly & Nina’s collaboration Indoro earned them recognition in 2017. However, recent years have proven more challenging for Rwandan nominees to secure wins.  

Despite the setbacks, Rwanda’s music scene continues to thrive. Artists like Meddy, The Ben, and Knowless have made significant strides in previous editions, reminding fans that success is a journey rather than a destination.  

Joshua Baraka wins two awards at HiPipo Music Awards 2024

Element competed for "East Africa Best Artist" against Bien, Diamond Platnumz, Zuchu, and Joshua Baraka [the winner]

Meddy and Adrien Misigaro nominated for their Gospel hit 'Niyo Ndirimbo'

Rwandan artist Gloria Bugie performed at the awards amid controversy over leaked explicit videos