NORTH CAROLINA - The organizing committee of the Talanta Awards has released the 2010 nominees for the 3rd annual awards show slated for Saturday 17th July 2010 at the Lighthouse Convention Center in Raleigh, NC. Voting starts today and closes on 16th July 2010. According to founder Meggie Waruri, the Talanta Awards seek to promote, expose and celebrate Gospel talent in Kenya and across Africa.

Several ministers, pastors and artists have been invited to the ceremony. Among the artists expected include Kjean (Congo DRC), Grace Faraja (Congo), Mr Googz (Kenya), DJ Kagz (Kenya/Trinity radio Rwanda), DJ RiQ (Kenya),  Gerriey Kabambe Wainaina (Kenya), Obed Kissaru (TZ), Beatrice Muniu (UK), Jaci Madegwa (WV), Mr. Sam (NC), Betty Maina (DE) and Mr Bonafide (NC) among others.

This year's categories have been reduced to 13 and has also incorporated artists from several African countries. Vote on www.talantawards.com

Talanta Awards 2010 Nominees

1.Best Artiste
i)Mr Bonafide (Kenya)
ii)Kjean (DRC)
iii)Faith Kashaa (TZ)
iv)Mr. Sam (Kenya)
v)Fred Obare (Kenya)

2.Best Male Artiste
i)Anthony Omondi ‘Kamnao’ (Kenya)
ii)Kjean (DRC)
iii)Ken ‘Mr Bonafide’ (Kenya)
iv)Obed Kisaru ‘Replica’ (TZ)
v)Tony Tosh (Kenya)

3.Best Female Artiste
i)Mary Wambui (AL)
ii)Naomi Wambui (AL)
iii)Rose Muhando (TZ)
iv)Grace Faraja (DRC)

4.Best Under (Junior) 10yrs
i)Njambi (Delaware)
ii)Lil D and Vicky T
iii)Dennis (St. Louis MO)

5.Best upcoming Group
i)Flawless (AL)
ii)Heart of Worship H.O.W.
iii)Jesus Christ gropies (MO)

6.Best Poet/writer
i)Paula Odhiambo www.yakuti.org
ii)Kelly Chege (NC)
iii)Evans Munene (GA)

7.Best praise and Worship
i)Laborers for Christ (AL)
ii)Vessels of Worship V.O.W
iii)SMC

8.Best collabo
i)Flawless/Mr Sam/Mr. Bonafide (Redeemer)
ii)HolyGhost Boyz and GR
iii)Ms Jay/Sam/Bonafide/Infinity

9.Best Dance Group
i)Royalpriesthood (AL)
ii)DFI Youth (MD)
iii)KACC (GA)

10.Group of the Year
i)UPYA (TX)
ii)L4C
iii)Infinity (NC)

11.Person of the Year/Act of the Year/Outstanding role model
i)Rose Shiko Mwangi (‘Tata Shiko’ TX)
ii)Nyce Keiyoro
iii)Kennedy Odede

12.Drama/Play of the year
i)KACC (GA)
ii)Kids For Christ (MO)
iii)DFI (MD)

13.Best Artiste (Kenya)
i)Michelle
ii)Mr. Googz
iii)Ben Githae
iv)Jimmy Gait
v)Gerriey Wainaina