First class show for Zimas

IT is less than 24 hours before the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) explode to life and organisers are confident that they have set the bar in terms of local awards. Just like the Americans have the prestigious Oscars, Zimbabwe will take pride in the equally significant Zimas that will see celebrities, socialites and stakeholders converging at the Harare International Conference Centre tomorrow evening to celebrate local artistes.
“The show is one to look forward to as we will witness history in the making.

“It will be completed by glitz, glamour, fashionistas and everything that is truly Zimbabwean,” said Zima public relations executive, Farai Chapotera.
South African Idols judge, Randall Abrahams is expected to grace the awards ceremony as he will present one of the awards with Afrika Revenge re-uniting for a performance at the ceremony.

Nominated artistes include Djembe Monks, Khuxxman, Alaina, Jah Prayzah, UFIC Choir, Mokoomba, Sulumani Chimbetu and Souljah Love.
According to Chapotera, the awards ceremony, running under the theme, “Then to Now”, will have a lot of surprises.

“It is an opportunity to witness history in the making as we are looking back to where we came from. After taking a seven-year break, we are looking forward to the future as the new generation of the Zimas,” she said.

Among the surprises are the symbolic statutes to be awarded to the winning artistes.
“There are a number of things we are excited about and among these is the special award for Cde Chinx. The awards are a celebration of our artistes with our artistes,” Chapotera said.

She added that the ambience at the awards venue would map the entire flow of events on the night.
“Unlike other HICC events, the VIP section is a balcony that is isolated from the rest crowd. There is a golden circle close to the stage where the young and energetic audience will get a chance to view the proceedings on the stage.

“Nominees have their special sitting area where they will mix and mingle. It is easily accessible to the stage so that they collect awards or go for their performances in an orderly manner.

“Everything is in line with international standards,” Chapotera said.
In total, an audience of 3,500, which is the capacity of the highly accessible HICC venue, is expected to attend red carpet event. -Harare Bureau/ Showbiz Reporter