Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAAs) are making a grand comeback this year for their eighth edition, following a two-year break after last year’s postponement due to unforeseen circumstances.
Set for December 20 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre Hall 3, this year’s ceremony promises to be a night of glitz and recognition. The indoor venue was strategically chosen to accommodate thousands of guests while mitigating possible weather-related disruptions.
One of the organisers, Nkululeko Nkala said the nominee list, unveiled on October 31, features a wave of fresh faces and remarkable talent from Bulawayo. The inclusion of new creatives’ comes as a result of the extended eligibility period covering the past 24 months.
“This year’s edition is special because it brings together work that spans two years. The popular People’s Choice Award returns this year.
“Everyone is eligible to vote for the People’s Choice award via our website from November 3 to December 15. The top 10 will be announced ahead of the ceremony, and final voting will take place by ballot on the night.”
Nkala added that, in honour of the artistes who are the lifeblood of the awards, a Nominees’ Dinner will be held on a date yet to be announced. The dinner will offer a relaxed space for nominees and stakeholders to network and celebrate their artistic achievements away from the pressure of awards night.
In a heartfelt tribute, organisers have renamed some categories to honour fallen icons who made lasting contributions to the Bulawayo arts scene, including Babongile Sikhonjwa and Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo, who passed away recently.
“In loving memory of our icons, we honour and acknowledge the incredible contributions of Sihlangu Dlodlo, Pathisa Nyathi, Ishmael Muvingi, Babongile Sikhonjwa, and Desire Moyoxide,” said Nkala. “Naming awards after them is a fitting tribute to their legacy. We celebrate their lives and impact.”
Below is a full list of the BAA 2025 nominees
1. OUTSTANDING ARTS PHOTOGRAPHER
Sadee Lensworks.
Elliot Moyo
Khanya Media
2. “LITSHE” OUTSTANDING DANCE ENSEMBLE
No Name Dance Crew
Khaya Arts
Imvimbi Arts
Phezhuba Pachena
Simunye Simunye
3. OUTSTANDING FEMALE DANCER
Lindokuhle Hadebe – Khaya Arts
Albertina Manombe – Simunye Simunye
Christine Sibanda – Simunye Simunye
4. OUTSTANDING MALE DANCER
Lindelani Calisto Mafu – Jabulani Arts
Fidelis Tshuma – Umkhathi Theatre Works
Blessing Bhila – Khaya Arts
Allen Mahwehwe – Simunye Simunye
5. OUTSTANDING THEATRE ACTRESS
Praise Ncube – Ipi Intombi
Memory Zikhali – Grand Taimaz
Nomvelo Behane – Without A State
6. OUTSTANDING THEATRE ACTOR
Julian Tshuma – Grand Taimaz
Josphat Ndlovu – Without A State
Richard Masuku – Grand Taimaz
7. “QHUBE” OUTSTANDING THEATRE PRODUCTION
Ipi Ntombi – Bulawayo Theatre
Grand Taimaz – Umthombo Arts
Without A State – Bambelela Arts Ensemble
8. OUTSTANDING COMEDIAN
Mbongeni Ignatious
General Lesley
Frank Chirisa
D’Jun
9. OUTSTANDING ONLINE CONTENT CREATORS
Umnikazi Wempuphu
Madlela Skhobokhobo
Chik Aljoy
Sipho Mercent Nyathi
10. “MOYOXIDE” OUTSTANDING POET
We Create Afrika
Thaluso Da Poet
Um’Africakazi
Sonkomose
11. “PATHISA NYATHI” OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK
Testament of Black Jesus – Philani A Nyoni
Living Memories – Erica Gwetai
I know why teeth where made white – Busani Ncube
My Affair with misfortune – Sipho Mpofu
12. OUTSTANDING ARTS JOURNALIST (All Media)
Lisa Masuku – Kurira – ZBC
Mbulelo Mpofu – Zimapers
Langalakhe Mabhena – Zimpapers
Mthabisi Tshuma – Zimpapers
13. OUTSTANDING ONLINE MEDIA
Dab Three Events
Zimpapers Online
Earground
14. “BABONGILE SIKHONJWA” OUTSTANDING RADIO DJ
Mjox – Skyz Metro FM
Becky K – Capitalk
Leornard Ncube AKA Umfundisi – Khulumani FM
Miss T – Power FM
15. OUTSTANDING CLUB DJ
Kotwane Hikwa
Sifiso
DJ Nospa
DJ Mzoe
16. OUTSTANDING FASHION DESIGNER/HOUSE
Ncominkosi Sibanda (Ncoma Style Lab)
Brightman Dlamini (Tocar Narrations)
Sibusisiwe Falala (SLF Apparels)
Indwangu by Mthobie
17. OUTSTANDING MODEL
Nomqhele Sisa Nkomo
Farai Mqondisi Sibanda
Calton Mduduzi Ndlovu
Liam Hall
Sakhile Dube
18. OUTSTANDING AMBASSADOR (Worldwide)
Q Dube
Nitefreak
Everton Mlalazi
19. OUTSTANDING HIP HOP ARTIST / ACT
Mlue Jay
Luchi Shiki
Noluntu J
Boy Nino
Tee X Tekie
20. OUTSTANDING KWAITO / HOUSE / GQOM / AMAPIANO ARTIST / ACT
La Dee
MJ Sings
Jaycee
Calvin Mangena
21. OUTSTANDING ALTERNATIVE MUSIC
Ma9Nine
Asante Mo
Bhila
Matojeni Melo Maniacs
Abigail Mabuza
Bhekiwe
Dziba Lemvula
22. OUTSTANDING GOSPEL ARTIST / ACT
Vusa Mangena
Snowy
Harvest House Music
23. OUTSTANDING IMBUBE / ACAPELLA GROUP / ACT
Great Stars Ijongosi
Amaqaqa
Amanculo Enjabulo
24. OUTSTANDING TSHIBILIKA / RHUMBA ACT
Amathonga Amahle
Godolude
Mxolisi “Mr Bones”
25. OUTSTANDING MUSIC PRODUCER
DJ Jabs
Godwin Smallz
Nashville
Murphy Cubic
Just Percy
26. OUTSTANDING MUSIC VIDEO
La dee & Kaykid Umfanomsotho- Umanqondana Wami
Harvest House Music – Revival Party
Mzoe 7 Feat Thandy Dhlana & La Dee – Amalanga Awafani
Calvin Mangena – Sukuma
Tsungai Tsikirai Feat IYASA – Ezintabeni
27. OUTSTANDING SONG OF THE YEAR
Mxolisi Mr Bones – Bangihlangabeze Ngekhesi
Amathonga Amahle – Soft Life
Jayvee – Ungayithi Vuu
Bhila Feat Kaykid Umfanomsotho- Emaweni
Black Diva – Thilo Lilo
28. OUTSTANDING TV PRODUCTION / PROGRAMME
A Trap of Trade
Freedom Comes Dancing
Village 4
29. OUTSTANDING FILM / TV ACTRESS
Sasha Juliet Zulu – Freedom Comes Dancing
Celesile Mpofu – Inkaba
Lindiwe Mlazie – Umhlolo Wase Zhwane
30. OUTSTANDING FILM / TV ACTOR
Sikhanyiso Ngwenya – Rise
Lindelani Calisto Mafu – Freedom Comes Dancing
Percy Soko Village 4
Ronald Stone – A Trap of Trade
31. NEW COMER OF THE YEAR (All Genres)
General Lesley
Black Diva
Kaykid Umfanomsotho
Khizolamak
We Create
Band of Misfits
Dziba Lemvula
32. OUTSTANDING MALE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Mzoe 7
MJ Sings
Mxolisi “Mr Bones”
Fab G Mshanakagogo
Ma9Nine
33. OUTSTANDING FEMALE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Noluntu J
Um’Africakazi
Chioniso Tshikirayi
Abigail Mabuza
34. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
TO BE ANNOUNCED ON THE NIGHT
35. PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD (All Genres)
TO BE SHORTLISTED AFTER VOTING
