Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
Zimpaper Entertainment Hub
IF you doubted whether Malloti is growing in stature, as a musician, her maiden gong — winning the Best Female Upcoming Dancehall award at the Changamire Hip Hop Festival — should end those doubts.
The controversial artist, who has made her name as a foul-mouthed social media star, has been working hard trying to establish herself as a musician.
“Won my first award yesterday — Best upcoming female dancehall,” said Malloti on her social media platforms.
Many of her fans congratulated her.
The Changamire Festival Awards 2026 lit up the night with a dazzling showcase of talent, fashion, and electrifying performances, as Zimbabwe’s urban culture took centre stage in a ceremony defined by glitz and glamour.
From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, socialites, artists, and creatives showed up in style, setting the tone for a night that celebrated both established stars and rising talent.
Changamire Awards CEO and director, Tafadzwa Muchechetere (Zimboy), said the ceremony lived up to expectations.
“Basically, the review is the ceremony went well, it was a night of glitz and glamour, red carpets, a lot of socialites in the place, a lot of upcoming artists,” he said.
The night featured a packed line-up of performances, but it was Zambian star, Case Adams, who delivered the standout moment.
In the country to receive his Southern African Breakthrough Artist of the Year award, he brought the house down with a high-energy set backed by dancers.
“There were so many performances, but the most electrifying one was from Case Adams . . . he then performed, and that was a key highlight because everyone went crazy,” Muchechetere sad.
On the winners’ podium, Bling 4 emerged as one of the biggest names of the night, scooping Best Male and Best Hip Hop Album for Hossana, underlining his dominance in the genre.
Runna Rulez also enjoyed a memorable night, walking away with the People’s Choice Award and Hip Hop Song of the Year for Dumb Sht*, affirming his strong fan base.
R&B was also well represented, with Takura and Tamy Moyo winning Best Male and Female Singer-Songwriters, respectively, while Nashie Zim’s Redhiyo was named Song of the Year.
Beyond music, the awards celebrated excellence across the entertainment ecosystem.
Comic Elder won Best Comedy, DJ Rax was crowned Best DJ, and MC Mocla scooped Best Host and MC before being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, drawing loud cheers from the audience.
Emerging acts made their mark, with Micky Black winning Best Newcomer and Trapdee taking Best Underground, highlighting the depth of upcoming talent in Zimbabwe’s creative scene.
Lifestyle and social culture were also recognised, with Ferg Aveli named Socialite of the Year, while Wessy Issa and Bamunini Nyasha won Best Socialite Duo.
“I think everything just went well,” Muchechetere said, reflecting on the success of the night.
With its blend of star performances, major wins, and industry recognition, the Changamire Festival Awards 2026 once again cemented its place as a key platform for celebrating Zimbabwe’s vibrant urban culture.
