Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO Arts Awards have transformed from a regional platform into one of Zimbabwe’s most influential national arts events, uplifting and spotlighting young creatives for the past eight years.
Established in 2017 to recognise artistic excellence from Bulawayo and the surrounding Matabeleland provinces, the BAAs have since grown into a cultural force whose impact now resonates across the country.
What began as a city-based initiative has evolved into a national institution nurturing talent across diverse genres.
As interest grew nationally, the organisers expanded the categories to accommodate artistes from outside Bulawayo. One such category, Outstanding Arts Personality from Outside Bulawayo, was famously won by ZimDancehall icon Winky D in 2019.
One of the BAA founders, Nkululeko Nkala, said the vision behind the awards was to create a fair, competitive and professional awards system for artistes born in Bulawayo and its surrounding communities.
“Professionalism has been our biggest anchor. It has earned us credibility and attracted attention from across Zimbabwe, proving that the BAAs are more than a Bulawayo event, they are a national cultural highlight,” he said.
Nkala said over the years, the platform has unearthed creatives from both urban and remote areas, motivating them to maximise their potential and elevate their social and professional status.
The awards have also been instrumental in launching the careers of several artistes. These include Nkayi-born folklore musician Sikhosana Buhlungu, dancehall chanter Fury Gun, and Victoria Falls’ breakout sensation Andrea The Vocalist.
Andrea The Vocalist won the Newcomer of the Year award in 2022, a milestone that propelled him to national, and later international, attention, including a collaboration with South African Afro-pop star Aubrey Qwana.
“Another promising talent, Bhila, has been a consistent nominee, while the dynamic Mzoe 7 continues to shine. His repeated nominations and wins over the years show his staying power in the industry,” Nkala noted.
Beyond accolades, the BAAs have changed lives through meaningful prizes. Gospel powerhouse Mai Mwamuka and hip-hop star Msiz’Kay received residential stands in 2021 and 2022, respectively, while Tshibilika outfit Insimbi ZeZhwane drove away with a BMW after winning the People’s Choice Award in 2023.
“In designing prizes, we wanted to offer life-changing rewards like housing stands. We’re eager to do it again this year, but this requires support from the business community. If every year, a deserving artiste receives a stand, we’ll be creating lasting impact,” Nkala said.
As anticipation builds for the forthcoming 8th edition of the awards set for December 20 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) Hall 3, organisers have announced the introduction of special honorary awards named after late luminaries who contributed significantly to the city’s cultural fabric.
“This year, we honour icons such as Pathisa Nyathi, Babongile Sikhonjwa, Litshe and Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo. These special awards will preserve their legacies and ensure future generations understand their immense contributions to Zimbabwean arts,” Nkala said.
In the hotly contested Outstanding Song of the year category, the nominees are Mr Bones — Bangihlabeze Nge Case, Amathonga Amahle — Soft Life, Jaycee — Ungayithi Vuu, Bhila — Emaweni and Black Diva — Thilo Lilo. In the Outstanding Theatre Production are Ipi Ntombi — Bulawayo Theatre, Grand Taimaz — Umthombo Arts and Without a State — Bambelela Arts Ensemble. Nominated for the Pathisa Nyathi Outstanding Literary Work are Testament of Black Jesus — Philani A N Nyoni, Living Memories — Erica Gwetai, Know Why Teeth Were Made White — Busani Ncube, and My Affair with Misfortune — Sipho Mpofu
Zimpapers has earned strong recognition this year, with three Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub writers, Mthabisi Tshuma, Langalakhe Mabhena and Mbulelo Mpofu — all nominated in the Outstanding Arts Journalist category. Capitalk’s Becky K is also nominated, featuring in the Babongile Sikhonjwa Outstanding Radio DJ category.
