Maurice Kirya was launched into the limelight when he performed at the prestigous South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival in Austin, Texas.

Maurice Kirya (courtesy www.MauriceKirya.com)

His Afro/R&B/Funk/Soul sound is unique and captivating and the critics are applauding in droves.  In the Radio France International (RFI) Discovery competition, he beat out 500 other musicians to win the ‘Best New African Artist’ title.   Although these awards are exciting, winning is not new to him. He has been performing since he was 15 and won the 2007 Pearl of African Music Awards prize for Best R&B Artist, got nominated for Kenya’s Kisima Awards, has written songs for jazz musician Brenda Nanyonjo, provided background vocals for singer and producer Steve Jean, and recorded the East African anthem with Susanna Owiyo from Kenya and Pauline Zongo from Tanzania. Sauti za Busara Music Festival picked him as one of the best 10 live performers in Africa.

When he is not performing on stage, he works to promote artists through his show, ‘The Maurice Kirya Experience’, and has devoted himself to helping the barkcloth industry which is becoming a dying art.

He has now been nominated by Eco Media News for Best Ugandan Artist of the Year. He will be going against GoodLyfe (Radio & Weasel), Irene Namubiru, and Jose Chameleone.  To vote for your favorite artist, visit the Eco Media News website.  To follow Maurice Kirya, visit his website, or join his fanbase on Facebook.