Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
AFTER months of silence, organisers of the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) have officially confirmed the return of the city’s flagship arts ceremony.
The 8th edition of the awards is now set for November 8, 2025, at Hall 3 of the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES).
Last year, the awards faced an uncertain future following financial and operational challenges.
Their principal sponsor, United Refineries Limited’s (URL) Roil cooking oil brand, withdrew its support, leaving the awards without critical funding.
However, the BAA Trust later attributed the postponement not only to financial constraints but also to “limited representation across certain genres”, necessitating a broader approach.
The announcement has injected renewed optimism into Bulawayo’s arts community, which had long awaited confirmation of the awards’ return.
In a press statement released on Thursday, the organisers revealed that submissions will open at 8am today, with entries accepted both physically and online.
“Online submissions will be made through the awards website, while physical forms will be available at Studio 10, Bulawayo Art Gallery and Sabela Studios,” the statement read.
Because of the earlier postponement, creative works produced between October 1, 2023 and August 8, 2025, will be eligible.
The deadline for submissions is September 8, 2025, at 8pm, coinciding with the announcement of the first batch of sponsors.
The awards roadmap continues with the nominees’ reveal on October 8, accompanied by the nominees’ dinner and the unveiling of the People’s Choice Award sponsor, along with a second batch of event sponsors.
“We’re still working to secure a sponsor for the ‘anchor award’, which in previous years, has been a housing stand or a car,” said the organisers.
With this latest announcement, the BAA Trust has committed to expanding the adjudication process to ensure broader representation and inclusivity.
The organisers are also exploring new partnerships and sponsorships, promising to inject fresh energy and introduce new faces and ideas into the awards ecosystem.
Their focus is clear: to make the 2025 edition of the BAAs a landmark celebration of artistic excellence in Zimbabwe.
The last edition of the BAAs, held in 2023, honoured excellence across music, theatre, film, fashion, comedy and other disciplines.
It was headlined by EDM DJ and producer Nitefreak, who scooped three awards: Outstanding Song of the Year, Outstanding Club DJ and Outstanding Ambassador (Worldwide).
Insimbi zeZhwane, titans of Tshibilika music, were the biggest winners of the night, driving home in a BMW after receiving the event’s top prize — the anchor award.
The glitzy affair attracted high-profile personalities, including South African media personality Thulasizwe “Lasizwe” Dambuza and stylist Lindani, who helped select the best-dressed guests. Performances from Sekunjalo MaAfrica, Mzoe7 and LaDee lit up the night, making it a memorable celebration of talent. —@MbuleloMpofu
