Gambian singer Oumië hopes winning the HAPA Award for Best New Female Independent Artiste, means big things for her career going into 2023.

The sixth edition of the event — which honours top African performers of the year — took place October 28-30 at Belair Mansion in Los Angeles.

Oumië secured her nomination through the song ‘How Deep’. This year, she also gained momentum with ‘Bubble’, a song featuring Jamaican singjay E-Dee.

“It’s totally an honour to be awarded Best New Female Independent Artiste. It’s not only my victory but it’s Gambia’s victory, the country where I was born,” said Oumië.

“The HAPA Awards are a platform that emphasises, highlights and encourages artistes, filmmakers and people in Hollywood to follow their dreams, go for their goals and never give up. And that is what I stand for and advocate for,” she added.

‘Bubble’, a dancehall track, was released in July. It enjoyed steady radio rotation in Los Angeles dance circles as well as Africa.

Oumië was born in The Gambia but as a child moved to Stockholm, Sweden with her family. That is where she developed an appreciation for diverse cultures including dancehall/reggae.

She has lived in Los Angeles for over 10 years.

The HAPA Awards is the brainchild of Kanyile Ka-Ngwenya of South Africa. Since its inception, he and his team have also honoured entertainment industry stalwarts like actress Marla Gibbs (of The Jeffersons fame) and singer Melba Moore.

This year’s honourees included American soul singer Freda Payne (best known for the hit song, ‘Band of Gold’) and Liberian president George Weah.