Mathew Masinge
Zimbabwean musician Lamont Chitepo has described his recent win at the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards UK as one of the defining moments of his music career after taking home the Male Artist of the Year accolade at the ceremony’s 16th edition.
The awards gala, held over the weekend in Birmingham, England, celebrated Zimbabweans in the diaspora who are making notable contributions across business, arts, leadership and community development.
Speaking after receiving the award, Chitepo said the recognition carried deep personal significance
“This is one of the biggest achievements of my music career so far,” he said “To be recognised on such a platform, surrounded by people doing incredible things for Zimbabwe across the world, is truly humbling.
The artist said the award was not only a personal milestone but also validation of years of consistency and dedication to his craft while working outside Zimbabwe
Chitepo, who has built a growing following within the Zimbabwean diaspora community, has become one of the country’s most consistent internationallv based performers, steadily expanding his musical footprint beyond traditional audiences.
He said the recognition had motivated him to continue pushing his music into new territories and international markets.
“I want to take my sound to different parts of the world and show people the richness of Zimbabwean music,” Chitepo said. “This is only the beginning of a much bigger journey.”
The event drew a high-profile audience that included Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, who attended as guest of honor.
The ceremony also brought together business executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, creatives and professionals from across the United Kingdom and the wider Zimbabwean diaspora community.
Over the years, the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards have evolved into one of the diaspora community’s most prominent recognition platforms, honouring Zimbabweans excelling in various industries abroad while maintaining ties to their home country.
The musician said he remains focused on growth, collaboration and representing Zimbabwean culture on larger stages around the world.
PART OF THE ZIMBABWE ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2026 UK EDITION WINNERS
Academia & Research Excellence – Professor Fareda Banda Arts Promoter Award – Trudiel Entertainment Business of the Year – Eaglemat Insurance Brokers Community Champion Award -DR. Alison Chiwara Community Organisation of the Year – EPAC UK Cultural Ambassador Award -Vaidah Masamvi Diaspora Advocacy – Female – (TIED) Chelsea Rose Mandizha & Ruth Dhliwayo Diaspora Advocacy – Male-Pardon Tapfumaneyi Dj of the Year – DJ FYN Event of the Year – (TIED) Jah Prayzah Album Launch & Young Black Achievers Female Artist of the Year – Annatoria Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Sippie Siphiwe Mungaraza Female Personality of the Year – Nyasha Matonhodze Future Leaders Award – LIL JAM Healthcare Business of the Year – (TIED) Brisca Healthcare & Bitcare Healthcare Entrepreneur – Female – Nozie Zoe Mathuthu Ncube
Healthcare Entrepreneur – Male – (TIED) Hondo Tigere & Johnson Masara Innovation Award -(TIED) Prisca Maguranyanga & Leeroy Chax Male Artist of the Year – Lamont Chitepo Male Entrepreneur of the Year – Donald Raisi Male Personality of the Year – STUNNER Media Personality of the Year – (TIED) Gilbert Nyambabvu & Maynard Manyowa People’s Choice Award – Mc Kudazvinhu Podcast of the Year – Black and Forth
Bongani Ndlovu
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi