Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Organisers of the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) have unveiled the Top 25 nominees for the 2025 People’s Choice Award, the only category open to public voting at this year’s ceremony.
The list, released on Sunday evening, is largely dominated by male musicians, with strong representation also coming from female artistes, actors, social media content creators, journalists and radio personalities, highlighting the diversity of Bulawayo’s creative industry.
The BAA 2025 People’s Choice Top 25 nominees are Black Diva, Amathonga Amahle, DJ Mzoe, Mjox, Fab G Unshanakagogo, Umnikazi Wempuphu, Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu, Percy Soko, Godolude, Farai Mqondisi Sibanda, Sipepisiwe Kumene, Mzoe 7, Abigail Mabuza, Mbulelo Mpofu, Amaqaqa, Band of Misfits, Bhila, Amaculo Enjabulo, Ncominkosi Sibanda, Khanya Media, Kay Kid Unfanomsotho, Jaycee, Lindelani Calisto Mafu, General Lesley and IJongosi Great Stars.
In an update to nominees, organisers revealed the competitiveness of the category, noting wide variations in vote tallies.
“As promised, here are the current top 25 vote-getters (in no particular order). For your information, the current leader has 18 806 votes, while the artiste in the number 25 spot has 297 votes. The top 10 nominees in the BAA8 People’s Choice Award will be announced at 6pm on Monday, 15 December 2025. The final 10 will then be voted for via ballot on Saturday, 20 December, during the main awards,” said organisers.
They added that the race remains open.
“There is still a chance to break into the top 10 as the margins within the top 25 are very slim.”
The announcement of the Top 10 is expected to further intensify public interest and voting ahead of the main awards ceremony. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
