Chipaz in line for top UK music award

Entertainment Reporter
Zimbabwean music promoter Partson Chimbodza and Orchestra Dendera Kings guitarist Moffat “Mhofela” Nyamupandu are up for top honours at the Outstanding Zimbabwe Awards to be held at Royal Regency in London, United Kingdom, on October 25.

The awards ceremony, co-hosted by UK-based Nego Entertainment and Y2K Promotions, will coincide with “The Greatest Hits Tour” featuring Oliver Mtukudzi, Suluman Chimbetu and Jah Prayzah to be held on October 25 in Leicester and in London on October 26.

“We have taken it upon ourselves to honour two Zimbabweans who have dedicated their lives to the music industry and have given Zimbabweans here the pride to be Zimbabweans because of their work in raising our flag high.

“We have nominated Mr Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions to be accorded the opportunity to have an award in recognition of his contribution to the music industry that has made every Zimbabwean here proud to be Zimbabwean.

Many artistes have benefited from his projects and has worked with almost every musician, be it sungura, dendera, gospel or dancehall because of that we felt he deserves the Outstanding Zimbabwe Award in Music Promotions. We have made arrangements for him to accompany Sulumani, Jah Prayzah and Oliver Mtukudzi to the UK tour to receive his award and his travel expenses and accommodation will be taken care of by Y2K Promotions and Negos Entertainment,” Boniface Jana, the director of Negos Entertainment, said.

Apparently Negos Entertainment has brought many Zimbabwean artistes to the UK for concerts and tours.
Jana said they were introducing the Outstanding Zimbabwe Awards to be held in Harare next year in honour of those who have excelled in areas that include sport, education, politics, media, television, music and business.

A panel of judges will be set up to select deserving individuals every year.
“I am delighted that some people are appreciating our efforts to promote Zimbabwean music. The award is not just for me alone but also for other music promoters” Chipaz said.

Chimbodza is the National Arts Merit Award winner for Outstanding Promoter for 2012 while Nyamupandu has been with the Orchestra Dendera Kings since 1986.