The 2nd annual Talanta Awards are slated to take place this Thanksgiving weekend on Sat 29th November 2009 at Christ Harvesters Church in Atlanta, GA. Nominations in the various categories has started and is open all month long till the end of August. Talanta Awards seek to appreciate Kenyan gospel musicians based in the United States. They also have 4 special categories for Kenyan based gospel artists. This year's awards ceremony has had some changes from last years (check out last year's recap here for the winner's list, view pics and watch the entire show online). Firstly, the location has changed from North Carolina to Atlanta. Secondly, the nomination process has also changed. You can nominate artists by visiting the website www.talantawards.com The top three nominees submitted will be announced in mid September and will then compete in the voting process. Lastly, there are prizes in some of the categories in addition to the trophies.

The Best Artist category will get a full album recording and production deal, 300 printed cds and free marketing and promotion courtesy of Spec House Media in CA. There is also a recording deal with CMG studios in Dallas for a yet to be determined category. Cash will also be awarded to the best 2008 KCSE and KCPE candidates.

Gearing up to the awards night will be what the organizers are calling the "Your Light Has Come Conference" that will take place from Thursday 26th through Sunday 29th Nov 2009. There will be interesting talks and discussions from invited speakers, workshops, performances and lots of fun and fellowship. Check out the tentative program for the conference below.

Seeking to know more about the awards ceremony and conference, we spoke to Talanta Awards founder Meggie Waruri. "This is an annual event which is for us all to pride in as we celebrate and foster our own," she says. This is under the Talanta Development Inc which is a non-profit with a vision to reach out to the young generation in word and deed. "Talanta Awards is an empowerment platform aiming to recognize, encourage, promote and celebrate our God given talent among us," she adds.

The performance list for the entire conference includes Kiki, Carol Mbithi, DJ Fresh, DJ Jey, Chosen Vesselz, ZYM, Chasemode, Sam. D Kamaa, Lady Z, Yung Bern and Holy Ghost Boyz among others. Some of the speakers and panelists include Dr Stan Wagenye from the UK, Dr Joseph Okello, Pastor Ken Thubei from Sacramento, Minda Magero and Loyce Kareri among others. Log on to www.talantawards.com and nominate your favorite gospel artists.

TENTATIVE PROGRAM

DATE November 27th - 29th (Thursday - Sunday)

VENUE Christ Harvesters Ministries Intl (Marietta GA)

SCHEDULE

Thursday 26th Nov:
Thanksgiving / Welcome Dinner

Friday 27th Nov:
12.00noon - Lunch
1.00pm - 1st session with Dr Stan Wagenye (UK) of Eagles Gathering church in London
5.00pm - Dinner
6.30pm - 2nd Session
9.00pm - 3rd Session with artiste performances

Saturday 28th Nov
12.00noon - Lunch,
1.30pm - 4.00pm (with a 30min break in between) - Career and Talent Workshop for all - Elizabeth Gichumbi(Facilitator)
=>Ken Thubei - an outstanding businessman and pastor of Lighthouse Church in Sacramento, CA
=>Minda Magero - Writer, Poet and Author
=>Loyce Kareri - Jounalist
=>Dr. Mary Kihoro - Professional Christian Counselor
=>Dr. Okello - Pastor, Professor and a Beethoven Music elite to give counsel to artistes

5:30pm - 11:30pm - Talanta Awards plus performances
11:30pm - 1:00am - Talanta Awards After Party with DJ Fresh and DJ Jey (Badilika Djs)

Sunday 29th Nov
10.00am - 12.30pm - Sunday Service at Christ Harvester's Church
12.30pm -1.00pm - Lunch
1.00pm - Concert by all artistes present