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February Movement Gala held on March 3 in Chipinge, Macheso emerged as the people’s favourite after his brilliant act.
Presenting the awards at a colourful ceremony at the Harare International Conference Centre, guest of honour and Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu said the awards were a result of hard work and dedication on the part of artistes, who strive to give their best at what they do, that is entertaining people.
Minister Shamu hailed the artistes for their consistency and concerted efforts in keeping the music industry alive.
“The Zimbabwean arts sector continues to grow not only in terms of numbers, but also the quality of the products being churned out on a daily basis.
“What we have gathered to witness today is yet another milestone in the sector, where artistes gave their best during the 21st February Gala held in Chipinge,” he said.
Minister Shamu also urged music fans to desist from buying pirated music, a situation that had heavily compromised the livelihood of artistes and their families.
For his efforts, Macheso walked away with US$1 000 cash and a DStv decoder courtesy of MultiChoice.
Peter Moyo scooped the best promising act award and a US$750 cash plus a DStv decoder.
Gospel diva Mercy Mutsvene won the best female act award and went home US$750 richer along with a DStv decoder.
Andy Brown was honoured posthumously and won US$500 which was handed over to his daughters.
Minister Shamu, artistes and many other people present were touched by Brown’s daughters’ testimonies about their father, his artistic excellence and aspirations.
The awards presentations literally turned into a mini gala when Macheso, Peter and Mutsvene kept the crowd on their feet with their impromptu performances.
Peter thrilled the crowd when he played some of his father’s hit tracks such as “Muchina Muhombe”, “Officer” and “Naye”.
Macheso, on the other hand, showed his camaraderie with the upcoming musician, when he joined Peter on stage and in unison, the two had the crowd in ecstatic mood.
Macheso proved that he is the best by a mile and that he deserved the award, when he exhibited his masterful guitar playing skills.
At one time, he even used his head, elbows and nose to strum the bass guitar, much to the amusement of those in the auditorium.
Mercy also had an opportunity to play some of her popular songs, adding a gospel feel to the event.
Gala co-ordinator Retired Major Anyway Mutambudzi thanked the artistes and sponsors for making the ceremony a resounding success.
Two lucky music fans also won holiday packages for two including accommodation at Ancient City Hotel and A’Zambezi River Lodge in Victoria Falls.
Mrs Stembiso Nenyenzve won the Ancient City Hotel in Masvingo package for two, DStv decoder and US$300 spending money for correctly predicting the winning artistes. Ms Yemurai Mavhunga walked away with accommodation for two at A’Zambezi and US$500 spending money and a DStv decoder.
Online Reporter