Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube [email protected]
Gweru is set to celebrate its creative, business, sporting and community talent when the inaugural Gweru Stars Awards are held on October 3.
The awards, established in 2023 by Gweru Stars Awards Official in partnership with corporate partners and other stakeholders, seek to recognise individuals and organisations making an impact in the Midlands city.
The awards are divided into nine fields covering Entertainment and Arts, Media and Content Creation, Food, Fashion and Beauty, Business and Entrepreneurship, Sports, Community and Leadership, Creative Industry and Special Awards.
The Entertainment and Arts categories include Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Upcoming Artist, Best Gospel Artist, Best Dance Group, Best DJ, Best MC/Host, Best Music Producer, Best Music Video, Song of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Promoter.
The Media and Content Creation section will recognise Best Radio Presenter, Best Media Personality, Best Photographer, Best Videographer, Best Blogger, Best Social Media Influencer, Best Content Creator and Best Podcast.
Other categories include Best Restaurant of the Year and Best Chef of the Year, while the Fashion and Beauty sector will compete for awards such as Model of the Year, Fashion Designer of the Year, Makeup Artist of the Year, Hair Stylist of the Year, Best Barber of the Year and Fashion Brand of the Year.
The business sector will be represented by Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Business of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year and Businessman of the Year.
Sports personalities will compete for Sports Personality of the Year, Best Sports Person, Best Sports Team and Best Coach, while community-focused categories include Community Champion Award, Humanitarian of the Year, Youth Leader of the Year, Outstanding Community Project, Excellence in Education Award and Most Influential Person.
The Creative Industry categories include Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Comedian, Best Poet, Best Visual Artist and Best Dancer.
Speaking on the initiative, Gweru Stars Awards executive organiser Christian Mashove said the awards were created to give local talent and businesses the recognition they deserved.
“The platform was founded to deliberately spotlight, elevate and celebrate local excellence. It bridges the gap for regional talent, creators, and business leaders who are often overlooked in major national awards ceremonies,” he said.
Mashove said the awards were intended to go beyond simply hosting an annual ceremony, with the initiative seeking to create opportunities for participants to grow their careers and businesses.
“Beyond a single-night celebration, the initiative acts as an economic and cultural launchpad. It provides local brands, entrepreneurs, and upcoming artists with visibility, industry networking opportunities, and a tangible portfolio to scale their operations nationally,” he said.
The special honours include the People’s Choice Award, which is determined through public voting, as well as the honorary Lifetime Achievement Award, Excellence Award and Gweru Star of the Year, which is described as the highest honour.
Mashove said the awards were part of efforts to create a platform where local excellence could be celebrated while opening doors for those seeking to establish themselves beyond Gweru.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on October 3.
