The most prestigious award ceremony in Central Africa dubbed Canal D’Or, organized by one of the lead private media house Canal 2 International drew its curtains on October 28, at the Yaounde Conference Centre last night. It recognized multiple artists and entertainers for their efforts over the past year.
The biggest winners of the night emerged to be Diyani Bill Munyenge known as PhillBill, and Megne Noubissi Christelle aka Krys. They emerged overall Best Male and Female artists of the year 2023 respectively.
The prolific artists currently working on their latest release entitled “Malova”, an irresistible and soul touching piece, were recognized thanks to their sound tracks ‘Qui Croira Verra’ and ‘Chaqu’un sa chance’ by Krys M, and ‘Shabasiko’ and Bikossa’ by PhillBill.
Full List of Canal D’Or winners
Best Revelation: Fadil Le Sorcier
Best Inspirational Heritage Music: Shabasiko by PhillBill
Best Gospel Artist: Lucky+2
Best Video: Deux oeufs spaghetti (by Ko-C) directed by Chuzih
Best Tv Series: Ndinga
Best Web Series: Nyang Bikol by Emy Dany Basong
Best Mbole Artist: Giften Kpwe aka Gifto le Russe (le Car qui Part)
Best Male Comedian: Ulrich Takam
Best Digital Music: Qui Croira Verra by Krys M
Best Digital Humorist : Laure Moaminga
Best Actor: Landry Nguetsa
Best Female Comedian: Emy Dany Basong
Best Legendary Musician: Grace Decca
Best Male Web Series Comedian: Fingong Tralala
Best Female Web Series Comedian: Rosine Nguemgaing
Best Female Urban Afro Artist: Lydol
Best Female Artist of the Year: Krys M
Best Male Artist of the Year: PhillBill
More than 30 journalists participate in the exercise, with each voter entitle to a single secret Vote ID code, for each category. Fans were also urged to vote for their favorite artists through short message service, social media and websites.
The competition’s five man jury was made up of a high profile team lead by Alene Menget – Film Actor and Journalist; Dominique Minyono- Social Media Manager expert, entrepreneur and music promoter; Anne Anzouer – Artist; Baleba ( Toure) – Culture and event Promoter; and Max Ngassa – Audiovisual Production Expert.
The parcours of Philbil and Krys M
Speaking after receiving his award PhillBill said: “I dedicate these victories to all the actors of the music industry. To all the artists, it’s high time we valorize our ancestral music. Thank you Canal 2”
PhillBill was the lastpillar to join RIDIMZ. The group (then Rythmz) consisted of Kezzy (K Master K Mix) and Dr Nkeng Stephens (former rapper) who is now a celebrated music director and film maker. Dr Nkeng Stephens at the time, stepped out to pursue his career in video directing leaving behind PhillBill and K Master K Mix. One of their hit singles titled “Honeymoon” was released in 2013.
According to Krys M, her triumph is in honor of her departed mother, and to her father for their efforts in seeing her dream come through. She also extended appreciation to her technical crew for their magical touches in her works.
Homage to fallen artists
As it has always been in the past, the award ceremony unfolded under the watchful eyes of the First Lady of Cameroon, Chantal Biya, alongside members of government, Directors of State corporations, and members of the diplomatic corps and business gurus.
In due course of the award night, tribute was paid to some outstanding Cameroonian artist, who have passed into eternity. This included the likes of Cabrel Nanjip, Blaise Kalaba, Nkodo Sitony, Fhish, Mbouta, Nguini Christian, Ekambi Brilliant, Maurice Njome and Penda Dalle.