RALEIGH, NC - The 3rd annual Talanta Awards took place at the Lighthouse Convention Center in Raleigh, NC on 17th - 18th July 2010 and saw about 14 states represented. Mr Bonifide (Kenneth Maina) formerly of the group Zaidi ya Mziki scooped the Best Artiste award while Mr Googz bagged Best Artiste (Kenya). Other winners included popular rap group Infinity and congolese artiste Kjean. Check out the complete list below.
 

This year's nominee list was markedly shorter with many categories scrapped altogether. Infact, there was only one Kenyan-based artistes category as opposed to six the previous year. The awards Emcees were Thomas Njuguna (IN), Anne Nzuki (KS), Flo Mutiso (GA) and Angela Muiruri (Miss Kenya USA 2009) and did a commendable job on stage. Gospel Artists present included Betty Maina, Jaci Madegwa, Chozen Vessels, Jesus Christ Groupies, Gospel Revivers, DKamaa, Kamnao, KJean, Irene Magunga, Grace Faraja, QBC, Infinity, L4C, VOW, God’s Replica, DFI Youth and The Messengers.

Infinity and Miss Kenya USA at Talanta Awards

Dr. Stan Wangenye of the UK and Professor George Wajackoyah of California were reported to have said that the event was absolutely memorable. Present at the ceremony was the Kenyan representative to the UN, H.E. Zachary Muburi-Muita. In his speech, he reminded Kenyans in the USA that they will no longer need to wait for their passports to be sent to Kenya for the processing of replacement 10yr passports. He announced that the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, DC. has acquired some state-of-the-art equipment enabling them to generate the passports here in America, thereby shortening the processing and delivery time of the new, class C, passports. He also presented some awards.  Other delegates who participated were Dr. Njoroge, Rev. Wambui, Dr Joe Karogi, Apostle Lucy Muthami, Dr. Stan Wangenye, Pastor David Kirk, Dr Mr & Dr. Mrs Njaramba, Pastor Muthemba and Prof. G. Wajackoya.

The praise and worship was lead by the Messengers, a group of young Congolese gospel singers. Pastor Steve Ndegwa of California and Pastor Dr. Wangenye shared the Word with the congregation. Artistes who ministered to the congregation included Christle Njambi, Kamnao, KJean, Betty Maina, Infinity, Irene Magunga, Apostle Lucy Muthami, Grace Faraja, Christ De Casse, Chozen Vessels, God’s Replicah, L4C and Pastor Steve Kamau of Delaware.