Joshua Baraka and Ava Peace Win Big at the 2025 HiPipo Music Awards
Breakthrough sensations Joshua Baraka and Ava Peace were the biggest winners at the 2025 HiPipo Music Awards.
Joshua Baraka swept four major accolades, winning Africa’s Number One, East Africa’s Best Artist, Best Male Artist, and Artist of the Year. Ava Peace on the other hand claimed both Breakthrough and Female Artist of the Year.
Kinawolovu by Nandor Love was crowned Most Viral Song, while See You Tonight by Omega 256 and Cindy won Song of the Year. My Darling by Chella earned the title of Africa’s Best ACT/Song.
In a standout moment, Wasomera Wa by Creamsite Junior School received the Song of Change special award for its captivating and thought-provoking lyrics.
“The 2025 Song of Change award goes to a school song that captures the journey of transformation – from metal bells to electric bells, from bad food to balanced diets, from water streams to swimming pools, and from local tours to trips abroad. Though deeply ironic, the song is a timely celebration of progress, nostalgia, and the voices of a new generation,” HiPipo noted in its statement honoring this special category.
Hosted on 14th November at the Kampala Serena Hotel, the Awards, now in their 14th consecutive year, were a spectacular sell-out. The event featured a vibrant 200-metre red carpet and world-class cinematic production by Nakato Alice Events Consultancy, full-house attendance, and breathtaking performances that showcased the best of African creativity. Some of the stand-out performances included Khalifa Aganaga, MUN G, Ava Peace, Happy Kyazze on the Saxophone and Augustine Mukisa on the drums, Carol Komeza, Serena Bata and Roden Y Kabako.
Full List of Winners.
A Song of Change
Wasomera Wa by Creamsite Junior School
Africa Best Act/Song
My Darling by Chella
Africa Number One
East Africa Best Act/Song
True Love by The Ben
East Africa Best Artist
Joshua Baraka
Best Regional Song
Katusabe by Quin Smile
Breakthrough Artist
Ava Peace
Most Viral Song
Kinawolovu by Nandor Love
Song of the Year
See You Tonight by Omega 256 and Cindy Sanyu
Video of the Year
Somebody by Sheebah Karungi
Best Female Artist
Ava Peace
Artiste of the Year
Joshua Baraka
The Lens of Greatness
Allan Soja