The Ben won the trophy for Best East African Act/Song thanks to his hit track “True Love,” a song that has enjoyed massive airplay across the region since its release. The track outperformed several strong contenders, including “Pawa” by Tanzanian artist Mbosso, “Yebo” by Rwandan gospel duo Vestine & Dorcas, and “Go” by Ugandan singer Karole Kasita.

A Competitive Night Dominated by Regional Talent

This year’s edition of the Pipo Music Awards was marked by stiff competition, with artists from Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi going head-to-head in various categories. The Ben’s win underscores his continued influence in the East African music scene and the growing regional impact of Rwandan music.

Joshua Baraka Emerges as the Night’s Big Winner

Ugandan breakout star Joshua Baraka was the most decorated artist of the night. He scooped multiple awards, including: Africa’s Number One

East Africa’s Best Artist

Best Male Artist

Artist of the Year

His dominance at the ceremony reaffirmed his status as one of the fastest-rising young African acts.

Ava Peace Shines Among Female Artists

Ugandan singer Ava Peace secured two major awards, including Best Female Artist, further cementing her growing prominence in Uganda’s Afro-pop landscape.

Performances That Lit Up the Night

The event also featured electrifying performances from prominent Ugandan artists such as Khalifa Aganaga, MUN G, Happy Kyazze, Carol Komeza, Serena Bata, Roden Y Kabako, and newcomer Augustine Mukisa, who kept the audience entertained throughout the evening.

A Win That Boosts Rwanda’s Music Presence

The Ben’s achievement is being viewed as another significant step for Rwanda’s creative industry, reflecting its expanding footprint across East Africa. “True Love” has not only resonated with his Rwandan fan base but also captured the hearts of listeners across the region, making it a worthy winner at one of Uganda’s biggest music award platforms