The 2011 Talanta Music Awards took place on November 26th at the Gospel Lighthouse Worship Center, Newark, DE; awarding some of the hottest acts in the Gospel music industry.

Talanta Awards seeks to Recognize, Promote, and Appreciate positively utilized talents across Africa. Since its inception in 2008, over 200Artists and groups have been nominated with over 50 Talanta legendary statuettes presented to artists in the USA and Africa  in recognition of their talent and outstanding roles in their respective communities. After its first run in 2008, Talanta Awards has established itself as the biggest Christian award ceremonies in the Diaspora Awarding positively utilized talents in academics, performing arts and sports. In terms of quality and the lasting impact it has to the attendees, nominees and winners, Talanta has maintained an outstanding uniqueness in the four years of its existence.  Winners are determined through a rigorous voting process by their fans base.

Topping the list of winners was newcomer  Polly Odote   (NJ) who scooped 2 awards;

2011 Best upcoming Artiste and 2011  Person of the Year/Act of the Year/Outstanding role model. Others picking up awards included Dj Mo of  NTV and Capital FM running away with Best Radio/TV Presenter/Program/Dj/promoter award,  2011 Best Writer/Poet -Nyce Keiyoro (GA),  2011 Best upcoming Artiste  Polly Odote   (NJ),  2011 Best Dj/Promoter/producer -Josh Okore (NJ), 2011  Person of the Year/Act of the Year/Outstanding role model-  16yr old Polly Odote   (NJ),  2011 Best Instrumentalist -Wilta Harris (DE), 2011 Best Artiste -Esther Muthoni (Queen Essy) (NH),  2011  Best Artiste/or upcoming Outside USA – Juddy G (London, UK).

This years honorees were Apostle Lucy Muthami (DE) received a certificate of Honor as an outstanding mother figure to the youth, 24yr old Angela Maina the current Miss Africa New York was also appreciated for making Kenya/Africa proud together with the pageants organizers –Ladies of Prestige from Liberia.

Participants travelled from all over the US to attend the much anticipated awards show. Some of the states that sent representatives included Missouri, Washington,  New Jersey, North Carolina, Delaware, Maryland,  Massachusetts, Texas, Kansas, Tennessee, New Hampshire, New York, Virginia, Washington State, GA  among others. The church was filled to capacity with an estimated 300 attendees. The formal dress code made the event rich in style. The sound was great with heavy bass and crisp highs. A state of the Art video recording studio with 8 member crew with all their gears added quality and style to the event courtesy of Rev Printze Ngosso.

This years’ delegates included Kenya Mission to the U.N Amb. Deputy Permanent Rep. Dr. Josephine Ojiambo,  Counselor Ms Nairimas Ole Sein from the Kenyan Embassy in Washington DC, Pastor Mike of Abundant Life DE, Pastor Janet Okore (NJ), Pastor Danvas Makori (DE), Pastor Martin Ndegwa JCC (WA), Pastor Steve Kamau  Newlife Worship Centre (DE), Pastor Moses Mbugua of CCC (DE), Apostle Lucy Muthami (DE), Isaac Kuria of Myles of Great Hopes (NC).

At kick off the environment in the room was jovial and patience was exhibited by all present in the room. A recorded introduction of all the nominees marked the official start of the ceremony. With 8 models present, each nominee was ushered in by a model with a thunderous applause. This part was important to the organizers as it sought to recognize each artist individually, whether they won or not.

The award presentations then followed swiftly interspaced with more performances. The awards consisted of a nice well engraved statue bearing the Talanta Awards logo as well as the category name.

MC Alemba from Nairobi Kenya and Tata Shiku of Aroma Minstries in Dallas TX were the hosts this year. The MCs did a commendable job in filling in for lost time and getting everything moving .Classy Tata Shiku complemented Alemba’s hilarious persona and they even had several wardrobe changes somewhere in between the show to spice things up. The Talanta awards committee did a good job in securing great sound and pleasing stage decor.

Check out an hour long recorded version of Talanta Awards below as we work to try and get you the whole ceremony (in better quality) for your viewing pleasure. It starts with Amani, a 6 year old girl doing her live performance. We also have dozens of pictures courtesy of Joash Okore of NxT LvL Music http://www.nxtlvlmusic.com

View the Photos from the Event

More Pictures from Facebook Correspondents

Even More Pictures By Joash

View the Video recap**Coming Soon**