TUZA AWARDS-Into the the ‘shining’ Event & Stars of Kilifi, by KNOB Digital

TUZA AWARDS-Into the the ‘shining’ Event & Stars of Kilifi, by KNOB Digital

The Tuza Awards, organized primarily by KNOB Digital and a team of professionals, marked a significant milestone in recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements across various sectors. The first annual Tuza Awards 2024, held at the Big Wave Gardens in Kilifi on Saturday, March 2nd, was an event to remember. The ceremony saw more than 200 nominees, their guests, and prominent activists gather for a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration.

The red carpet was rolled out as attendees arrived in their finest attire, adding to the glamor and excitement of the evening. The venue was transformed into a stunning display of lights and decorations, creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. Guests mingled and networked, sharing stories of their successes and aspirations while enjoying the region’s delicious food and drinks provided by top caterers. The energy in the venue was visible, with anticipation building for the announcement of the winners in each category. As the ceremony kicked off, the hosts welcomed everyone and set the tone for a night of honoring excellence and excellence in various fields.

For those unable to attend, the ceremony was recorded and is available for replay on our site and YouTube channel. The event received extensive coverage from major media outlets such as KTN, KBC, CITIZEN, and NTV. Their presence ensured that the award’s vibrant activities and insightful interactions reached a wider audience, amplifying the event’s impact.

 

The Award Ceremony

The 2024 competition saw over 500 attendees, incorporating organizations and individuals while showcasing the immense talent and dedication within the community. The top 15 Tuza Awards in various categories were announced in February and selected based on the ratings of more than 20 professionals. Winners were revealed during the event, adding to the anticipation and excitement.

The award ceremony was a glamorous affair, with attendees dressed to the nines and eager to celebrate the achievements of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as each winner took to the stage to accept their award, with cheers and applause filling the room. The event was evidence of the power of recognition and the importance of honoring those who positively impact their community. The Tuza Awards continue to grow in popularity and prestige, inspiring others to strive for excellence and make a difference in the world around them.

The massive question would be ‘Did the attendees of the 2024 Tuza Gala understand the assignment’?

For the first-ever Tuza Gala, the theme was “black and Gold, meaning guests would need to personify their fashion and come up with something extra. For certain attendees that meant donning floor-length gowns adorned with gold sequins and shimmering accessories, while others. opted for sleek black tuxedos accented with gold accents. The red carpet was a dazzling display of glamor and sophistication, with attendees embracing the theme and truly understanding the assignment. 

This year’s 16 categories were:

– Mijikenda Ambassador Award

– Mekatilili Warrior Award

– Chef Awards

– Advocate for Social Change

– Volunteer of the Year Award

– Upcoming Artist Award

– Innovative Agriculturist Award

– People Living With Disability Award

– Cultural Fashion Awards

– Ambassador Against Drug Abuse

– Women Sports Awards

– Photography Award

– Innovation Award

– Entrepreneurship Award

– Marine Award

– Community Service Award

The Tuza Awards recognizes achievements in the workplace in a wide variety of categories and has become the premier awards program on the Kenya Coast.

Event Activities

The evening began with a formal reception in the Big Wave Gardens space, providing an excellent opportunity to network and establish new business connections. Attendees enjoyed the photo session on the red carpet, followed by conversations and meal orders before the awards presentations commenced.

The Msenangu Band enlivened the atmosphere with a live performance, setting a celebratory tone for the evening. The event launch included an inspiring speech from Emmanuel Barakah, followed by 16 models presenting the awards. The models and planners were the first to be awarded by the chief guest, Chief Karembo, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. Sponsors then announced the winners, who delivered acceptance speeches on stage before heading to the red carpet area for interviews with Shampooz Media and other live coverage teams.

The energy in the room was evident as each winner shared their gratitude and excitement for being recognized for their contributions. The audience erupted in applause and cheers, showing their support for each awardee. As the night went on, the festivities continued with more performances, entertainment, and networking opportunities for all attendees. It was truly a night to remember, filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of community among all who were present.

Winner Highlights

Many individuals within Kilifi and the coastal region submitted nominations in various categories. We saw a surge in categories like the Entrepreneurship Award, Upcoming Artist Award, and Chef Awards, reflecting Kilifi’s strong culinary, entrepreneurial, and artistic talents. However, there was a lower turnout in categories like People Living With Disability, Innovative Award, and Marine Award, indicating areas needing more outreach.

Despite the lower turnout in certain categories, the winners who were announced at the ceremony were truly deserving of their recognition. The Entrepreneurship Award went to a youth who had started his own successful eco-friendly fish business William Kapesa, while the Upcoming Artist Award was given to a talented musician who had been making waves in the local music scene (Emmanuel Luckie Kiti). The Chef Award went to a chef who had been incorporating traditional coastal flavors into his dishes, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region and having started his Hotel, Generalis Restaurant. Each winner gave a heartfelt acceptance speech, expressing their gratitude for being recognized for their hard work and dedication. The night ended with a sense of pride and accomplishment, as the community came together to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity present in Kilifi and the coastal region.

Some notable winners include:

– Lemmy Kahindi Dhahabu: Mijikenda Ambassador Award, recognized for promoting Mijikenda culture. Sponsored by Ednah Dhahabu Fashion.

– Njeri Magdaline Mumbi: Women Sports Award, recognized for achievements in sports and inspiring future female athletes, Attending from Nairobi. Sponsored by KNOB Digital.

– Looru Jackson Losinyen: Cultural Fashion Designer Award, recognized for blending cultural heritage with contemporary fashion. Sponsored by Tafkam Designs.

– Sumaya Msa: Ambassador Against Drug Abuse Award, recognized for combating drug abuse. Sponsored by KNOB Digital.

– Emmanuel Luckie Kiti: Upcoming Artist Award, recognized for emerging talent in the local art scene. Sponsored by KNOB Digital.

– Lenox Mwangone: People Living With Disability Award, recognized for resilience and success as a person with a disability.

Sponsored by Mombasa Cement 

– Lawrence Mwenda: Chef Award, recognized for culinary skills and innovation. Sponsored by KNOB Digital.

– Peter: Marine Award, recognized for contributions to marine conservation. Sponsored by Mombasa Cement.

-Elizabeth Muruiru- Community Service Award, recognized for outstanding contributions and commitment to making a difference in the community. 

Sponsored by MLIFE Foundation 

-Japheth Odiwuor Abunge- Volunteer of the Year Award, recognized for making a significant positive impact through volunteering.

Sponsored by Zulu Men 

-Joan Magoma is hereby recognized for their unwavering commitment to social change, addressing critical issues, and inspiring action for a better world.

Sponsored by Bright Beginnings Academy 

-Mercy Ndungwa-Innovative Agriculture Award, recognized for introducing innovative agricultural practices that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and food security. an example is Mwendo’s Honey

Sponsored by KNOB DIGITAL

-William Kapesa -Entrepreneurship Award, recognized for innovative entrepreneurship that has significantly contributed to the economy and community welfare. ( Fish) 

Sponsored by MC Beauty 

-Alice Mawia- Mekatilili Warrior Award, recognized for fearless leadership and advocacy in championing community rights and welfare, inspired by Mekatilili’s legacy.

Sponsored by Kilifitness Gym

-Eddison-Photography Excellence Award, recognized for outstanding skill and vision in photography, capturing moments that resonate and tell compelling stories.

Sponsored by Chariot Creations

These awards highlight the incredible achievements and talents of individuals in various fields, from activism to art, entrepreneurship, culinary arts, and marine conservation. Each awardee has shown dedication, passion, and innovation in their respective fields, making a positive impact on their communities and beyond. Their hard work and perseverance serve as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to strive for excellence and make a difference in the world.

Also, our 16 models were very resourceful in the planning process of the event 

Frida Jebet Kosgei- Mijikenda Ambassador Award 

Mogesi Peter Jared- Mekatilili Warrior Award

Raymond Kaita- Chef Awards 

Jackline Kibet- Advocate for Social Change 

Epale Cynthia- Volunteer of the Year Award 

Gabriel Mokua- Upcoming Artist Award 

Thadeus Oguku Rubansi- innovative Agriculturist Award 

Dorcas Mutemi- People Living With Disability Award

Mercy Manji- Cultural Fashion Awards 

Angela Luseno- Ambassador Against Drug Abuse 

Quincy Nyaboke- Women Sports Awards 

Sheila Wanjiru- Photography Award 

Nasra hamid- Innovation Award 

Evans Oyange- Entrepreneurship Award

Akhabele Victor- Marine Award 

Watch the full ceremony here. 

Some of the interview questions included

– “What does winning a Tuza Award mean for you?”

– “How will winning a Tuza Award help your initiatives?”

These interviews will be available on the KNOB Digital YouTube channel, providing valuable insights into the winners’ journeys and the impact of their work.

The winners expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of the Tuza Awards in elevating their respective fields. Many shared personal stories of overcoming challenges and obstacles to achieve success, inspiring others to pursue their passions and dreams. Their testimonials resonated with the audience, reaffirming the significance of celebrating excellence and innovation in various industries. The interviews also shed light on the winners’ plans and aspirations, showcasing their dedication to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond. 

 

Impact of the Tuza Awards

The Tuza Awards have set a high standard for recognizing and celebrating excellence within the coastal region. The event has highlighted the importance of acknowledging the hard work and dedication of individuals and organizations in various fields. The awards have also provided a platform for winners to gain visibility and support for their initiatives, encouraging others to strive for excellence.

Looking Forward: The 2025 Tuza Awards

The success of the 2024 Tuza Awards has set the stage for even greater achievements in the future. Entries for the 2025 edition of the Tuza Awards will be accepted starting this October. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to join the mailing list to receive the entry kit. More information about the Tuza Awards can be found on the KNOB Digital website.

The 2025 Tuza Awards are expected to attract an even larger pool of talented and innovative individuals and organizations from around the world. With new categories and criteria being introduced, the competition is set to be fiercer than ever before. Winners of the 2025 Tuza Awards will not only receive recognition and prestige, but also opportunities for networking, collaboration, and growth. The Tuza Awards continue to be a driving force in promoting excellence and innovation in various fields, and the upcoming edition promises to showcase the best and brightest in their respective industries.

Upcoming event 

To prepare for the next Tuza Awards, KNOB Digital is hosting a mini-event on “How to Prepare an Effective Tuza Awards Nomination.” This event will take place on September 8th, 2024, (venue and time to be communicated). The event, hosted by Emmanuel Barakah, will provide insights from past winners, judges, and industry experts on crafting award-winning nominations. Participants will learn about the awards entry and judging process, storytelling techniques, and best practices for highlighting their unique value.

Attendees will also be able to ask questions and receive personalized feedback on their nomination ideas. This event is perfect for professionals looking to elevate their brand, showcase their accomplishments, and gain recognition within their industry. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best and increase your chances of being a Tuza Awards winner!

Sponsors and Support

The Tuza Awards would not have been possible without the support and contributions of various sponsors. Sponsors of the 2024 Tuza Awards included KNOB Digital, Tafkam Designs, Ednah Fashion, Merime Co-working Solution, Kilifitness Gym, Chariot Creations, Bright Beginnings, Mombasa Cement, MLIFE, Zulu Men, and Mc Beauty. Their support was crucial in making the event successful, providing financial backing and lending their expertise and resources to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all involved.

The sponsors played a key role in providing financial support promoting the event and attracting a larger audience. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to the arts community was evident in the quality of the event and the positive feedback from attendees. Without their generous contributions, the Tuza Awards would not have been able to reach such great heights and showcase the incredible talent within the industry. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to continued collaboration.

The first annual Tuza Awards 2024 was a resounding success, celebrating excellence and setting the stage for future achievements. The event provided a platform for individuals and organizations to gain recognition and support for their initiatives, encouraging others to strive for excellence. As we look forward to the 2025 Tuza Awards, we anticipate even greater accomplishments and the continued celebration of outstanding achievements within the coastal region. Join us in October for the next round of nominations and be part of this prestigious event.