Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma,Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
Organisers of the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) have dismissed circulating voting platforms for this year’s edition, reiterating that there will be no public voting for any award category except the People’s Choice Award.
This comes after a WhatsApp channel, All Things Bulawayo, initiated an unofficial voting poll, which has already attracted thousands of participants. BAA organisers said such polls are not recognised and have urged the public to disregard them.
The eighth edition of the awards will follow the same system as last year, with adjudicators selecting winners for all categories except the People’s Choice Award. That award will be voted for through the official website www.byoartsawards.org once voting opens.
Organisers said preparations are underway to finalise logistics, after which the top 10 nominees for the People’s Choice Award will be announced. The final vote for the award will be conducted by ballot on the night of the ceremony, set for 20 December 2025.
In a statement, BAA organisers warned the public against being misled by unofficial polls.
“The Bulawayo Arts Awards would like to kindly inform the public that we are not conducting any WhatsApp polls or vote canvassing campaigns for nominated artistes. We have noted the circulation of such messages and wish to clarify that these are not official and should therefore be disregarded.
“For the 2025 edition, public voting will only apply to the People’s Choice Award, and all official voting details will be communicated exclusively through our verified platforms. We sincerely appreciate the continued support and enthusiasm from fans, artists, and stakeholders as we celebrate excellence in the arts.”
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derick.khumalo