adminHarare Bureau
The inaugural Zim Dancehall Awards held at the Zimbabwe College of Music in Harare on Wednesday evening were characterised by chaos as violence rocked the event. While the awards ceremony started on a high note, factionalism reared its ugly head as a rowdy bunch of people believed to be from the high density suburb of Mbare threw missiles to popular dancehall star Winky D.
This was in protest of the Ninja president’s victory of his fourth award as the Best Male Artiste over Mbare chanter Killer T and Sniper. Winky D could not even deliver his acceptance speech as the group made noise, shouting Killer T’s name.
Winky D’s manager, Jonathan Banda and brother Layan could not stomach the mistreatment and had an altercation with the attackers.
The organisers must have been prepared for chaos as they swiftly ended the scuffle bringing the house to order.
“Over excitement among these youths is wrong because this kind of behaviour discourages the corporate world to support us. This is an inaugural event, and such, silly acts tarnish the image of all of us in Zim dancehall,” said Banda who also won the Best Manager of 2013 award.
A total of 22 artistes were awarded with accolades for their contribution on the night. Winky D got the most awards as he took the Best Video and Choreography for the song Tsamba Kuvashakabvu, Best Social Message for Mafira Kureva, Best Live Performer of the Year and Best Male Artiste.
His strongest contenders, Killer T together with Soul Jah Love were awarded the Best Up-and-coming Artistes award.
Shinsoman’s Mawaya-Waya was the Song of the Year while the female artistes were made proud by dancehall queen, Lady Squanda who scooped the Best Female Artiste award.
Freeman’s album New Chapter, which was generally said to be a flop got him the Best Album of the Year award. Mic Inity were awarded the Best Reggae artiste while Jah Love and Celo Culture were awarded for the Best Collaboration.
Online Reporter