INTRODUCTION

Cinderella Sanyu (born August 28th, 1985) popularly known by mononym “Cindy” or “Cindy Sanyu” by the media and fans is a celebrated Ugandan Afro-pop and reggae dancehall singer, actress, song writer and entertainer.

Her rise to fame was when she joined the all-girls group Blu*3 after she was one of the top 3 winners of the Coca-Cola Popstars completion that ran 2005.

INCEPTION WITH BLU*3

She is a former member of Blu*3, a girl trio that was formed in

2005 by comprised of Cindy herself alongside Lillian Mbabazi and Jackie Chandiru (Under Fenon Records) upon winning the 2005 Coca Cola Pop Stars competition in Kampala-Uganda.

As Blu*3, they recorded Studio albums namely; ‘Hitaji’ in 2005 which had sensational songs like Frisky, Kanchachanche, Fly Away, Nkooye, Don’t Say, Woah, Katika, Best Friend, Nkulowozako, He Reigns etc. And Burrn’, had songs like Ndibera Naawe, Tomalako, Alone and Frightened, Strong Woman and Mutima Gwange.

Blu*3 went on to become Africa’s biggest female group and toured countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and many others.

Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding, Cindy had to leave the group in 2007 which saw embarking on her solo career.

SOLO CAREER

Her debut solo Mbikooye was released about two months after her exit from Blu*3 in 2007 and was received with open arms by the Ugandan

Music revellers as a massive hit that was followed by Nawewe then Ayokyayokya which was well received by the media stations, clubs and neither would car radios get enough of. Still determined to satisfy her ever growing fan base she released One and Only in 2009 that became a big hit and saw her being referred to as the “Africa’s Lady Gaga by BBC”.

From here on, the sky was the Limit for Cindy as she went on to do “You & Me”, a Collaboration with the Nigerian dynamic duo P-square; a song which greatly boosted her East African Tour.

Cindy is also remembered to headline the Airtel International Women’s Day Concert on 08th February 2014 at Garden City Roof Top Kampala featuring Jamaican star Nyanda.

DISCOGRAPHY

Cindy has had a very impressive fan base reception towards her audio and music video presentations like;

Selekta, Still Standing, Bwasalawo, Party, Hot, Bintabula, Nakupenda, Longtime No See, Kwekunyakunya Rmx, Tick, You and Me, Ndi Mukodo, Samo Dat, Number One, Dilemma, One and Only, Nawewe, Tempo Remix, Run Dis City, Bukolomoni, Maama etc

ASSOCIATED ACTS

She has a record of distinctive collaborative approach towards fellow musicians, Not limited to;

P Square, Nyanda, Davido, Mr G, Bebe Cool, Radio & Weasel,

Nyanda, Bobi Wine, Navio, P Square, Juliana Kanyomozi, Wahu,

Dufla Diligon, Micki Wine, Peter Miles, Mr Mosh Ssendi, Chagga Godfrey, Just Jose, Keko, Vampino, Rabadaba and Nutty Neithan.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECOGNITION

2008/9 DIVA AWARDS AFRIKA –

Female artiste of the year

2009/10 Buzz Teeniez Awards –

Female Artiste of the year

2010 Buzz Teeniez Awards –

Best Dancehall Artiste of the year

2016 AFRIMMA AWARDS –

Winner; Best East African Female Artiste

Nominee; Best Dancehall Artiste, Africa

2016 BINGWA AWARDS (Kenya) –

Winner; Best Ugandan Artiste

2017 CLUB MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS (Uganda) –

Winner; Best Use Of Technology Video category (Yeye Ft. Wahu.)

2017 ZZINA AWARDS (Uganda) –

Only female nominee; Best Dancehall Artiste

2017 ANNUAL MUSIC AWARDS (NAMIBIA) –

Nominee; Best Collaboration (Sam O Dat Feat. Oteya)

Multi-award winning, gold selling, Afro Soul singer and songwriter, Berita, is proving to be one of the most important new voices of our generation in the Afro Soul genre. Known to make classic hit singles that resonates with people of all ages, at just 25, Berita has touched the hearts of many and received endorsements from the likes of Mama Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka; world renowned Oliver Mtukudzi; and Grammy award winning flugelhornist and composer Hugh Masekela. Berita has also added her voice and flavour to collaborations with South African house DJ icon Oskido as well as Black Motion, Lulo Café and DJ Q’ness.

Berita released her second single, Surprises, off upcoming album on 10 February 2017. Surprises follows the highly successful release of her hit single Nguwe Wedwa released in the last quarter of 2016. Nguwe Wedwa is still charting on radio stations such as Metro FM where it still features on the esteemed Metro FM Top 40 Chart (February 2017). Surprises is an inspirational and exciting single that is pegged to be yet another classic hit single offering that joins Berita’s impressive music catalogue.

2017 will be marked as a notable year for Berita as she gears up to release her self-titled third studio album, Berita. If her other two projects are anything to go by, Berita’s third studio album is set to secure more awards nominations and notable milestones and achievements to look back on.

“I write and sing songs that evoke happiness and share truth” – Berita

Awards

• 2015: Song Writer Of The Year – Wawela Music Awards
• 2015: Rising Star Of The Year – South African Afro Music Awards
• 2016: Music Artist Of The Year – Zimbabwe Achievers Awards
• 2013: Best African Pop Album – Metro FM Music Award

Notable Milestones / Achievements / Career Highlights

• 2016: Participated in Coke Studio which resulted in the release of Vusu Yeke which she collaborated on with Yanga
• 2015: Performed in the Netherlands at an embassy event in commemoration of the birthday of late former South African President, Nelson Mandela
• 2014: Collaborated with legendary singers High Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi on single Mwana Wa Mai
• 2014: Music Artist Of The Year nominee – Zimbabwe Achievers Awards
• 2013: Developed an inspired motivational tour for 10 High Schools in the Eastern Cape with partner brands
• 2013: Music composed by Berita was licensed in the movie Positively Beautiful which was screened in major Film Festivals around the world
• 2012: Hit single Thandolwethu shot to the top of charts on radio stations across the country and today is still one of the most local recognised love ballads in the country
• 2012: Debut album, Conquering Spirit, released at just 21 years of age went on to reach gold selling status

Discography

• 2012: Conquering Spirit
• 2014: Songs of Empowerment

Background

Zimbabwean born, South African based, Gugulethu Khumalo, is an award winning singer and songwriter who is popularly known by her stage name, Berita. She adopted the stage name Berita, which is her mother’s name, in honour of her mother and as well as all loving, hardworking African mothers around the continent.

Berita’s musical journey began in 2012 after leaving New Zealand, where her parents are immigrants working as dairy farmers, to come and study in South Africa. Equipped with just a guitar and her dreams, the 21 year old university student won the hearts of many South Africans with the release of her smash hit single, Thandolwethu, in a move that can now be deemed one of fate.

The Afro Soul sensation has now gone on to be a gold selling, multi-award winning singer and songwriter who maintains a positive impact in the Afro Soul genre in South Africa.

Berita has performed at festivals all around the continent and shared the stage with the likes of Salif Keita, Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Oliver Mtukudzi, and Kenny Latimore just to name a few.

Connect with Berita

Facebook: Berita Afro Soul; Twitter: @BeritaAfroSoul; Instagram: @BeritaAfroSoul

Apio Moro is a young Ugandan performing artist. Born to artistic parents in the teaching profession, in Tororo the land of the great rock of eastern Uganda, she sings and writes in Japadhola with a touch of English. Her sound features soulful sounds that immediately draw you into her world guided by a very strong Luo-accented voice, telling stories from her society and life.Down to earth as she maybe, she believes her purpose in life is “…to tell people to NOT be afraid to live.’ This Lou woman also believes we should be born, find our purpose and deliver on that purpose. She was drawn to music even as a child and was never afraid of the criticism that came with it.

Apio has performed on Pearl Rythm activation nights ,one of the shows that started her 2017 rolling was Akadope, then she did Blankets and wine on the 30th,April,2017. Two weeks after B&W performance, she launched an EP titled “Chuny Adech” which simply means Half my Soul, where she performed most of the songs on her first album “Chuny”, and will be performing at Pearl Rythm festval in October 2017.Her music has a touch of hip-hop,RnB/Soul,and alittle rock fire all into one pan, in her Language and alittle English,all written and composed by her with the help of a few friends Ronnie Bukenya,Mukuki Sam and Mugote Timothy. Although,like several artists, Apio prefers to do Music on her terms with no tags to it. To most it’s Afro Soul….

Bruktawit Getahun, also known by her stage name Betty G, is an upcoming artist striving to become a star. She was born and raised in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. She went to Lycée Gebre Mariam, a french high school fom which she graduated in 2006. She pursued higher education by attending Commercial College of Addis Abeba University as well as a French University called Université de L’IAE Poitier via correspondence. In 2009 she graduated with a dual degree in office management and general management.

Even though she spent most of her time in school her passion for music was born with her. She was so devoted in her singing career that she started singing in different night club when she was still in high school. She worked with noted Ethiopian artists such as Theodros Kassahun (Teddy afro), Zeritu Kebede , Jhonny Raga, Natenael Ayalew (Nhatty Man) and many more. She has also collaborated with a Nigerian artist Ras Kimono to create awareness to global warming and the damage it causes to our environment.

Her ability to sing in French, English and Amharic could possibly be her golden ticket into the international market. She aspires to show her Ethiopian heritage in her work and bring more exposure to the richness and beauty of her culture. Her travel to the United States was the first step in the efforts of attaining her goal. During her stay in the US she had the chance to collaborate with even more artists one of which is Tomas Doncker, a jazz artist. She also performed at the blue note jazz club in New York. Her experience in New York lead her to Studio Samuel, a nongovernmental organization that helps empower women in Ethiopia so they can overcome poverty and change their lives. She currently holds the title of Ambassador for Studio Samuel. As of late she is working on her album with a group called One Vision Production under Xposure entertainment. Artist Natenael Ayalew (Nhatty Man) plays an active role by mentoring and helping her during the process of production. She’s even evolved Ethiopian producer Henock Negash and the famous Ras band, to help breathe a new life in Ethiopian music. To summarize Betty G is an amazing singer with charismatic and captivating stage presence. But she is not solely an entertainer but an ambassador for the growth of her people; she has the vision, the talent, and the passion to bring her goals to fruition.

RELEASES

Manew Fitsum November 2015
Sigma Entertainment and Events
Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia

Betty G released her debut LP Manew Fitsum. The album was met with instant acclaim from all who heard it, and quickly found its way into the grateful hands of hoards of her fans around the world. The record comprises 13 original songs for an approximate total listening time of one hour, making for a comprehensive introduction to Betty G’s uniquely captivating repertoire.

Praise for Man Yawkal:

“the most exciting album from the African continent in 2015 so far” – BEFOREITSNEWS.COM

“an album with uplifting and evocative songs” – Music Talkers

Betty G has recently been featured on Coke Studio Africa which is a TV show produced by Coca-Cola at Film Studios in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Coke Studio Africa is a dynamic music fusion platform whereby musicians and music producers from different African markets are brought together to collaborate and produce great music, creating an amazing sound. Betty G has been paired with Cameroon’s group X-Maleya to record original tracks, collabos and cover songs that became hits. This experience, that gave them the chance to share their musical and cultural aspects, has already exposed both artists to each other’s countries. Future plans have also been set out so that they can work closely which further gives them the opportunity to discover what works best for them and to give it back to their shared fans. This may include co-headlining tours, studio recording and music
videos.

Coopy Bly is a multi award winning gospel artist from Kampala Uganda. Specializing in the genres of Reggae, Dancehall and Raga, the highly celebrated artist is known for hit songs such as Sidda Mukyalo, Nyweza, What a Love and Akikwasaganya. Throughout his career, Coopy Bly has had the honour of collaborating with other big names within the gospel fraternity including Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Martin Sekku and Daddy Owen to name a few. Coopy Bly has also earned himself the privilege to perform on numerous international stages, throughout Africa, Australia, Europe and Asia, sharing the stage with big names within the international gospel industry including Papa San, DA TRUTH, Isaac Blackman and Sho Baraka. In 2016 Coopy Bly hosted one of the biggest local gospel concerts of his generation, dubbed Coopy Bly Live- One Last Time, where he debuted his recent 26 song album – What A Love, awarding him his most recent awards as ‘Male Artist of the Year 2016’, ‘Dancehall Artist of 2016’ and ‘Best Song of 2016 – Akikwasangya’. Highly recognized as one of Uganda’s largest gospel exports of his generation, Coopy Bly also is founder/director of Youth Empowerment organisation Yimba Uganda, and also runs his own recording studio, Backyard Studios.

Coopy Bly was born Kusasira Edwin Sserwanga on December 5, 1988 to Patrick and Justine Buyinza. Together with his sister, the two of them were raised by their parents in a Christian family setting in Katwe, on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda. Coopy Bly’s musical talent was first exposed when he led campfire songs at his first scouting camp in his primary school days. He was then inspired to join the school choir for the last two years of primary school.

In 2003, after joining secondary school, Coopy Bly took advantage of both his parents working in the UK at the time to pursue his music dream, knowing very well they would not fully support his music alongside his academics. Using his savings from his pocket money and selling off his clothes his mother had sent him from London, Coopy Bly recorded his first song ‘Shiny money’ from Dream Studios. He returned to school the following term excited and eager to have his friends listen to his song. In the same year, 2005, Coopy recorded his 3rd song ‘Glorify’ which was quite popular for the following 2 years, giving him the chance to perform at gospel shows with big gospel artists of the time, including one of his role models, Martin Sseku.

Coopy Bly then recorded the reggae song ‘Ghetto Love’, and with it shot his first music video in 2006. ‘Ghetto Love’ managed to get good airplay in EATV, East Africa’s premier music television channel.

By 2010, Coopy Bly had recorded more than 9 songs. In the same year, Coopy Bly released ‘Bwaka’, a song hitting at homosexuality and other vices in society, reminding people that judgment day is near. ‘Bwaka’ was a massive hit and was considered by many as his breakout song, getting a lot of radio airplay and accumulating TV and Radio appearances for Coopy Bly. Coopy Bly went ahead and released other hit songs such as ‘Kulunga’ and ’Kumbaya’.

In 2011 Coopy Bly released hit song called ‘Nyweza’ which got him nominated for several awards including Olive Gospel Awards, Buzz Teenies Awards and Groove Awards in Kenya. The music video
of Nyweza became so popular that it crossed over to secular music circles, making Coopy Bly recognised throughout East Africa.

On the 6th of May, Coopy Bly launched his album at Watoto Central in Kampala, performing a number of live songs, including number one hit ‘Sidda Mukyalo’ to the full house that were in attendance.

In 2012 Coopy Bly toured around Europe performing in a number of schools, churches and public shows throughout Germany and The Netherlands. After his tour he was nominated for a number of awards in the ‘Olive Gospel Awards’ and was crowned ‘Best Male Artist of the Year 2012’.

In February 2013, Coopy Bly released the music video of ‘Sidda Mukyalo’, which got massive airplay and a positive response throughout East Africa. This cemented his status as an indomitable artist lyricist in East Africa, and he was nominated as ‘Best Male Artist- East Africa’ in the ‘Africa Gospel Awards’ held in the UK. In 2013 Coopy Bly released hit songs including Anjagala, Genau, I Do, Nawe and Lwokano. He also had the opportunity to perform on the same stage with International Artists including Sho Baraka, Benjah, Kris Erroh, Pompi, Mag44 and Daddy Owen. Coopy Bly topped off his year by founding Non Government Organisation, Yimba Uganda, which focuses on youth empowerment through Vocational Training, Female Menstrual Hygiene Management, Music mentorship and promoting sustainable livelihoods for widows and single mothers in rural Uganda.

In 2014 Coopy Bly set time aside from his music and studied a Discipleship Training course with YWAM International in Jinja. His time spent in bible school was a spiritually enriching, educational experience, allowing him to grow and groom himself as a minister of God. In July, Coopy Bly was invited to Australia for three months and performed in schools, churches, public shows and festivals. Whilst in Australia, Coopy Bly released his hit single Guruka, which was highly appreciated by the Australian public due to it’s danceable beat. He also had the opportunity to work with Australian videographers and filmed music video ‘Beautiful God’. 2015 also saw hit songs Kilo, Onsalangako, Muve Mundolo and Fire released including videos for both Onsolangako and Muve Mundolo.

Coopy Bly took 2015 by storm, starting off the year in Vietnam, Asia filming music video Nkulembera Mukama. The rest of the year Coopy Bly continued to invest into his music career, releasing songs Yesu Byakola, Kulukutta and one of his biggest hits to date, What A Love. In June, Coopy Bly collaborated with award winning Kenyan videographer, J Blessing and filmed the music video for What a Love. While recording the video, Coopy Bly proposed to his long-time girlfriend Anne-Marie on set. The video received massive airplay on gospel and secular stations and received the title of ‘Video of The Year – Viga Awards 2015’. Coopy Bly also received the award of ‘Reggae Artist of the Year – Viga Awards 2015’. Coopy Bly finished off the year in style; performing as an international guest artist at Groove Party in Kenya.

In 2016, Coopy Bly continued his rise in the music industry, being nominated in numerous awards including BUZZ Teeniez Awards, Groove Awards and finally taking the title as ‘Male Artist of the Year 2016 Hit Awards’. Coopy Bly was also provided with the honour of presenting at the Kenyan Groove Awards, where he was also nominated in the category of ‘East African Artist of the Year’. Upon return from tour in Australia, Coopy Bly went on to unveiled his biggest project to date, by launching his own recording studio ‘Backyard Studios’ where he has gone on to produce and record all of his recent music. In September, Coopy Bly hosted one of the Uganda’s biggest local gospel concerts, dubbed ‘Coopy Bly Live – One Last Time’. During the concert he released his latest album ‘What a Love’ which had a record number of 26 songs, including Kidula, Batusinza Ki and Akikwasaganya. The concert was a huge success pulling large crowds, and ensuring Coopy Bly’s titles as ‘Male Artist of the year’, ‘Dancehall Artist of the Year’ and ‘Gospel Song of the Year – Akikwasanganya’ in the 2016 VIGA Music Awards. Coopy Bly finished the year with a colourful wedding surrounded by family and friends in Kampala.

Coopy Bly bought in 2017 performing at Groove Party in Kenya. He has since continued to take the gospel industry by storm being nominated for numerous awards including ‘East African Artist of the Year’ in ‘The Africa Gospel Music Awards’ based in London and recently ‘Gospel Artist of the Year’ in the ‘TUMA Music Awards, for his hit song ‘One Body’ where he collaborated with gospel legend, Pastor Wilson Bugembe. When asked what else the celebrated artist has in store for his fans in 2017, he has promised his fans more good music and investing in music videos.

Makadem is a talented musician and vibrant performing artiste. His stage presence, charismatic persona and powerful vocal delivery have had him likened to the legendary King of Afro-Beat, Fela Kuti; and his soulful folk ballads have earned him comparisons to the legendary Bob Dylan. Makadem has toured widely in Europe, including at the opening of the Cannes Film Festival in France in May 2012. In 2014 he was a headline act at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival held in Washington DC. Including the Kennedy centre.

In 2015 he was at the Doa Doa in Jinja Uganda, he headlined at the Fete de la music concert in Kampala Uganda courtesy of Alliance Francaise du Kampala and Illimba festivals in Arusha Tanzania.

In Kenya he performed during Airtel sondeka festivals in Nairobi and many others.

2016 started on a high note for makadem with the launching of the now popular Ongea East Africa summit, later he was performing along side Africa’s big rhumba maestro one Koffi Olomide at the Koroga festivals in Nairobi just before he left to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in April.

In Dubai Makadem was the solo headlining African act at the Global Village main stage courtesy of Africa Pavilion.

Meanwhile in Abu Dhabi he performed at the New York university and also held workshops with the arts students.

Later came The People Of The Nile Festival in kisumu kenya and lastly The Kilifi New Year Eve Party, here he collaborated with Wakuu and Bengatronics.

2017 has seen Makadem perform at Soysambu kenya along side the Grammy Nominated Rocky Dawuni of Ghana, Nafasi Art Space in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania just before jetting off to Mexico for Ollin Kan Fest in Tlalpan Mexico City.

On return from Mexico Makadem stayed in Europe for his three month solo acoustic Nyatiti Euro Tour. He has had concerts at Couleur Cafe Festivals in Copenhagen, Pan African Fest in Aarhus Denmark  concerts in Viganj Croatia and Berlin Germany.

The Nyatiti Euro Tour lives on. Makadem is one artiste who has done a lot of collaborations with international house deejay producers. He is taking the Nyatiti back to dance hall where the instrument belongs.

From DJ Esa Williams based in London, DJ Maximillian Doblhof Vienna Austria, DJ Suraj Nairobi Kenya ,to Dj Berh of J’burg South Africa, all facilitated by Santuri Safari.