Coopy Bly
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Coopy Bly (born December 5, 1988), also known as Emmanuel Edwin Kusaasira, is a Ugandan gospel artist.[1][2]
Early life and education
[edit]Coopy Bly was raised by his parents, Mr. Sserwanga Kusasira and Justine Buyinza, in Katwe, Makindye Division, on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda.[3][4] From his early days in primary school, Coopy Bly exercised his musical interest by leading campfire songs during scouting camps. This experience led him to join the school choir in his last two years of primary school.
Career
[edit]In 2003, while attending secondary school and with his parents working in the UK, Bly recorded his first song, 'Shiny money', at Dream Studios.[4] In 2005, he recorded his third song, 'Glorify', which allowed him to perform at gospel shows with artists such as Sseku Martin. By 2010, he had recorded more than nine songs while studying for his Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences. The completion of his degree would grant him more time to focus on his music career. In the same year, Coopy Bly released 'Bwaka', a song addressing perceived societal issues, such as homosexuality, and reminding people of the impending judgment day. 'Bwaka' received extensive radio airplay, earning Bly numerous TV and radio appearances. He continued to release songs such as 'Kulunga' and 'Kumbaya'.
In 2011, his song 'Nyweza' garnered him nominations for various awards, including the Olive Gospel Awards, Buzz Teenies Awards, and Groove Awards in Kenya. The music video for 'Nyweza' gained popularity beyond gospel music circles, establishing wider recognition across East Africa.[2] On 6 May, he launched his album at Watoto Central in Kampala, performing several songs live for audiences, including 'Sidda Mukyalo'. In 2012, he embarked on a tour of Europe, performing in schools, churches, and public shows throughout Germany and The Netherlands. Following his tour, Coopy Bly received multiple nominations in the Olive Gospel Awards and was crowned the 'Best Male Artist of the Year 2012-2013’.[5][6]
Personal life
[edit]Coopy Bly is married to his longtime partner Anne Marie, to whom he proposed to while he was recording.[3]
Awards and nominations
[edit]- 2017 VIGA Awards Dancehall/Ragga Category (Batusinzaki).[7]
- 2017 VIGA Awards Male Artist of the Year.[7]
- 2017 VIGA Awards Song of the Year (Akikwasaganya).[7]
- Artist of the Year at the 2nd Vine Awards in 2021.[8]
- Royal Gospel Music Awards 2023.[9]
- Olive Gospel Awards Best Male Artist of the Year 2012-2013.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Taking dancehall into church". Monitor. 2021-01-04. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ a b "I never dreamt of being a gospel artiste". Monitor. 2021-01-09. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ a b Iragaba, Apollo (2022-03-03). "7 Things You Didn't know about Coopy Bly". Hard Rock Media. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ a b "Coopy Bly". Music In Africa (in French). 2015-05-08. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ a b "Coopy Bly • Gospel Music, Lyrics, Biography, News, Videos, Events | thegmp.biz". THEGMP. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ "Nakimera scoops first gospel award". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ a b c Muhindo, Clare (2017-01-18). "Coopy Bly is the star at 2017 VIGA Awards – Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos". Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ vinepulse (2021-06-28). "Coopy Bly crowned Artist of the year at the 2nd Vine Awards". Vine Pulse. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ Sseruyigo, Aaron (2023-01-30). "Royal Gospel Music Awards: the full list of winners". Breaking news on Christianity in Uganda and World. Retrieved 2024-01-01.