The 2005 Kisima Music Awards continued the expansion begun in the previous year, incorporating both entrants and acts from across East Africa including Musaimo, Ida and Diaspora. The ceremony was hosted by Tedd Kwaka (Big Ted), Ugandan Diana Muyera and Kevin Ombajo, a well established personality in the entertainment arena.
| Category | Winner | |
|---|---|---|
| Afro Fusion | Kaz | |
| Asian Music | Gupz | |
| Boomba Rap | Pili Pili | |
| Boomba Pop | Xyzee | |
| Contemporary Gospel | Esther Wahome | |
| Eastern Benga | Musaimo | |
| Gospel Ensembles | Ruth Wamuyu | |
| Hip hop | Ukoo Fulani MauMau | |
| R&B | Mbuvi | |
| Rap | Bamboo | |
| Reggae/Ragga | Redsan | |
| Traditional | Kenge Kenge | |
| Best Artist/Group from Tanzania | TID | |
| Best Artist/Group from Uganda | Blu*3 | |
| Best Music Video from Uganda | Blu*3 | |
| Western Benga | Peter Khayadi | |
| Best Music Video from Kenya | Harry Kimani | |
| Best Song | Harry Kimani | |
| Best Collaboration | Pili Pili Feat. Ratatat | |
| Best Male Artist | Pili Pili | |
| Best Female Artist | Nyota Ndogo | |
| Most Promising Artist | Maximum Melodies | |
| Best Group | Kleptomaniax | |
| Producer of the Year | Clemo (Calif Records) |