Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
A new chapter in Zimbabwe’s arts recognition landscape has been ushered in through the successful launch of the inaugural Iconic Youth Recognition Awards (IYRA) held recently in Bulawayo. The platform honoured excellence across several disciplines including music, dance, poetry, fashion, modelling, media and DJing.
The colourful event brought together some of the country’s most promising young creatives. The awards ceremony was organised by youth-driven creative organisation Liquid Smoke Illusion (LSI), founded by Sakinah Mlambo, popularly known as Kinah J, and Cleopatra Makamba, also known as Miss Cleo.
Speaking after the event, Kinah J said the awards marked an important milestone in recognising young creatives making strides in Zimbabwe’s arts and entertainment industry.
The venue was packed with youths and creatives, creating an electric atmosphere that highlighted the growing influence of young people in shaping Zimbabwe’s cultural and creative landscape.
Adding glamour and prestige to the occasion were members of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe team, who attended the event in support of emerging talent.
Entertainment on the night came from rising acts such as Itshayakusasa, UVM (The Unpredictable Versatile Movers), represented by brand ambassadors Desh and Mesh, as well as popular Bulawayo dance duo TUM, made up of Hassan “Hasty” Muzorori and Thandolwethu Sibanda, who is widely known as Manikiniki Womdantso.
The founders also opened up about the challenges they encountered while bringing the vision to life, saying the initiative was driven by a desire to create opportunities and positive spaces for young people.
“Despite the obstacles, we believe the event was a silver lining moment. The deeper purpose of these awards rose through concern over rising substance abuse and crime among young people. The platform was created as a positive alternative to inspire, uplift and redirect youth energy toward creativity, ambition and empowerment through the arts,” said the founders.
They said the awards are expected to grow into a bigger national platform that nurtures and celebrates youth talent.
“The sky is not always the limit. Great minds must always wonder what lies beyond the skies and strive to reach it. We hope that the initiative will continue to grow, with plans already in motion for future editions,” they said.
Below is a list of the winners;
🏆 NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT
* Thando Ncube
🏆 OUTSTANDING FASHION DESIGNER
* Prince Sayi (Dolphin)
🏆 OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHER
* Woke Media
🏆 OUTSTANDING POET
* Noxe The Poet
🏆 OUTSTANDING MUSICIAN
* Young Staray
🏆 UPCOMING MUSICIAN
* Timza (Tawanda Chivi)
🏆 OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY
* Young Staray – Battle Bruises
🏆 OUTSTANDING SONG
* Codzo Style – I Crown
🏆 OUTSTANDING MALE MODEL
* Mduduzi Ndlovu (Calton Diamond)
🏆 OUTSTANDING FEMALE MODEL
* Alindah Ncube (Miss Heels)
🏆 OUTSTANDING FEMALE DANCER
* Thandolwethu Sibanda (Manikiniki Womdanso)
🏆 OUTSTANDING MALE DANCER
* Hassan Muzorori (Hasty Hassan)
🏆 OUTSTANDING UPCOMING DANCER
* Lailah Siziba
🏆 OUTSTANDING SOLO DANCER
• Leon Master (Leon Ngwenya)
🏆 OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER
* Hassan Muzorori (Hasty Hassan)
🏆 OUTSTANDING DANCE GROUP / DUO
* The Unpredictable Versatile Movers
🏆 OUTSTANDING DJ
* Vuyo Sibanda (Vuyo The DJ)
🏆 OUTSTANDING CONTENT CREATOR
* Yung Steazy
🌟✨ SPECIAL AWARDS ✨🌟
🌟 Humanitarian Award
•Hounarable Guccie
🌟 Best Dressed
* TISA Fashions
🌟 Outstanding Performance
• The UVM
🌟 People’s Choice Award
* Vuyo Sibanda (Vuyo The DJ)
🌟 YOUTH ICON OF THE YEAR
Siyabonga Kwangwa (Young Staray)
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Bongani Ndlovu