On Saturday, 26th May, the first ever BBC Radio Awards were presented at a spectacular show in Nairobi.

The show was broadcast live in a special edition of Focus on Africa. Joseph Warungu, Editor of BBC English for Africa programmes Focus on Africa and Network Africa, says: "I'm thrilled to be bringing the Awards gala live from the heart of Nairobi, and I want our 20 million English-language listeners across Africa to tune into all the broadcasts so that they can soak up the atmosphere and celebrate the best of English-language radio journalism in the continent."

BBC World will televise highlights of the ceremony and the continent's music channel MTV base (Africa) will carry a week of highlights starting Saturday 2 June with a half-hour show on Saturday 9 June. 

To entertain the assembled guests and finalists throughout the evening
there was a line-up of three of Africa's hottest contemporary musical talents.

Thandiswa Mazwai

As the lead vocalist and songwriter of award-winning group Bongo Maffin, Thandiswa Mazwai has become an essential part of the South African cultural landscape. The band's music, known for its quintessentially South African mixture of hip-hop, reggae, and house music styles, became widely recognised as the voice of South Africa's conscious youth, combining dance floor favourites with thought-provoking lyrics. The band performed all over the world, sharing the stage with musical icons such as Stevie Wonder, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Sean Paul, before Thandiswa decided to begin work on a solo project.

"Only when I reached the point where I felt I could be accountable for my
thoughts and ideas, did I feel comfortable doing it." She said. The resulting album, entitled Zabalaza, has been a major success, and when it came time to go on the road Thandiswa hand-picked the touring band from over 400 musicians. It is this dedication to producing music with a fresh, young, contemporary voice as well as her musical integrity that have prompted some to dub her the Miriam Makeba for her generation.

"I'm living my dreams through my work, and I'm able to do that partly because people gave me a chance. I want to give other young talents the same opportunity, to live their dreams."

Valerie Kimani

Valerie is a young, fresh, energetic and passionate musician. Although she only recently burst on the scene as winner of East Africa's reality show Project Fame, this 22-year-old singer exudes the confidence of a seasoned international musician. Part of her winning package was a three-year contract to Africa's leading music label Gallo Records in South Africa and she is currently putting the finishing touches to her debut album most of which is being recorded in Kenya.

Her style is a cross between Jill Scott and Joss Stone with strong traces of her East African roots. Her repertoire is dynamic and engaging and always leaves crowds wanting more.

Warm, approachable and spontaneous she is also intense with emotion when writing or performing her songs. It is her belief that, given the right environment and encouragement, we all possess an innate ability and desire to create, "I represent colour through my energy, enthusiasm and excitement" she has said.

2Face Idibia

Innocent Ujah Idibia aka 2Face Idibia entered the consciousness of Nigerians
as a member of Plantashun Boiz, the immensely successful r'n'b/hip-hop boy
band. 2Face has carried that overwhelming success over into his solo pursuits.
His 2004 debut album, Face2Face, has sold over two million copies.

One of the most respected vocalist/songwriters in his country today he is the recipient of numerous awards and has collaborated with such artistes as Tony Tetulia, Felix Duke and Wyclef Jean. And the collaboration invitations continue to roll in, because, as 2Face sees it, "I don't limit myself to one style. I like to be versatile. Growing up, I listened to acts like Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, plus a lot of Nigerian stuff, especially highlife."

He has performed all across Africa and the video for his massive hit single
African Queen - a eulogy to the strength of African women - was the first to be aired on MTV Base Africa when the station launched in 2005.
2face is at the top of his game and the Nigerian music scene at the moment
although he remains modest: "I am not the biggest [star in Nigeria] - I am just
working towards it."


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