Chronicle Editor
Natasha Mutsiba, [email protected]
The Pumula Royal Arts Community Awards (Praca) unfolded with grandeur on Saturday at Pumula South Hall, applauding the exceptional talent within the community.
Reggae sensation Mandie Mae emerged as the evening’s standout, clinching an impressive four awards out of six nominations.
Her victories were Outstanding Female Artiste, Outstanding Music Video of the Year, Outstanding Collaboration, and Outstanding Album.
In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Showbiz, Mandie Mae expressed her joy and gratitude for the recognition. She conveyed that the awards were not just a personal triumph, but also a validation that her work resonates deeply within the community.
“It feels amazing to be recognised and appreciated for the work I do. To have my efforts acknowledged in such a prestigious setting is an honour,” she said.
“I want to thank my supporters for their unwavering encouragement. Having my mother there supporting me was overwhelming and boosted my confidence. It shows she supports what I am doing, and I’m grateful for that. Fans can expect a ‘boom’ as there is a lot of music that I am working on,” she shared.
Loxion Arts Hub also secured three awards marking a remarkable achievement for the organisation. The accolades were for Outstanding Youth-led Project for “Monday Replenishment,” Outstanding Dance Group for Loxion Dance Group, and Outstanding Youth in Community Engagement.
“We’re honoured to have won all three awards (that the organisation was nominated in), especially as it was our first time being nominated. We’re proud of the kids, who bravely collected the awards on stage. Besides the awards, the nomination itself was significant because it shows that people recognise our work.
“Winning is an extra cherry on top and now, people will start paying more attention to what we’re doing,” said Zoste Kartel, one of the brains behind Loxion Arts Hub.
This year’s awards showcased inclusivity by featuring talent from areas outside Pumula. Loxion Arts Hub from Mzilikazi/Makokoba received accolades, exemplifying the expanding influence and reach of the awards within the broader artistic community.
The event, which was a resounding success, celebrated the diverse and thriving artistic talent within the community, emphasising the importance of recognising and celebrating local artistes and their contributions to the cultural landscape. —@TashaMutsiba
Below is the full list of Praca 2023 winners:
Outstanding New Comer in All Genres
Dubcee
Outstanding Male Artiste
Ronald Stone
Outstanding Female Artiste
Mandie Mae
Outstanding Producer/Studio
Nashville – Rockup Studios
Outstanding Music Video of the Year
Lifestyle- Mandie Mae
Outstanding Song of the Year
Nidakiwe – The Mixologists
Outstanding Maskandi Artiste
Msheli Wentombi
Outstanding Gospel Artiste
Marlon Hove
Outstanding Alternative Artist
Frillex Epic
Outstanding Amapiano or House or Gqom Artiste
Gabriel French
Outstanding Hip-hop Artiste
Blag Ego
Outstanding Dancehall Artiste
Teekay G
Outstanding Afro-Pop Artiste
TCK
Outstanding DJ Across All Genres
The Infinity DJs
Outstanding Collaboration
Mandie Mae ft Various Artists – Lifestyle
Outstanding Duo /Group
The Mixologists
Outstanding Kwaito Artist
Toksiq Balaclava
Outstanding Album
To The Stars – Mandie Mae
Outstanding Dance Awards
Outstanding Male Dancer
Gamelihle Thwala – Pumula Junction Dance Crew
Outstanding Female Dancer
Metty Intombi Emfitshane
Outstanding Duo/Dance Group Across All Genres
Ekasi Home of Light
Outstanding Male Poet
Trust Gwasunda
Outstanding Female Poet
Poet Lethu
Outstanding Upcoming Actor/Actress
Precious Maphosa
Outstanding Actor
Praymore Moyo as Spikiri on Madlela Comes Home
Outstanding Actress
Dorcas Moyo — The Forgotten Millions
Outstanding short/feature film
Lights Out — Jewel Embryonic Studios
Outstanding Production/Media House
Zizo Motion Pictures
Outstanding Online/Print Media
Ibrah Magazine
Outstanding Journalist
Mbulelo Mpofu — Chronicle
Outstanding Online Journalist
Mellisa Ntulini — DAB Three
Outstanding Visuals Director Across all genres
Praise L Nkala
Outstanding Photographer
Munyaradzi Maguwa
Outstanding Cinematographer
Andisiwe Sibindi
Outstanding Model
Ashantia N Mpofu
Outstanding Youth Led Community Organization
Active Youth Zimbabwe
Outstanding Youth Led Project
The Monday Replishment
Outstanding Environmentalist
Muziwandile Ncube – Imvelo
Outstanding Youth In Community Engagement
Juliet Chikanda
Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year
Jortham Jele
Outstanding Developed Business
Tuckshop Doctors
Outstanding Entrepreneur
Naison Ndlovu
Outstanding Creative Hand Work
Sihlobo Moyo – Sihart
Outstanding Fashion Designer
Monique James
Outstanding Sports Person of the Year
Thabiso Ndlela
Outstanding Team of the Year Across all Sports
Toronto FC
Outstanding Actor/Actress
Innocent Nyoni — Gogo Nasngijo
Outstanding Musician
Bhila
Outstanding Dance Group/Duo
Loxion Dance Club
Outstanding Youth in Community Engagement
Zoste Kartel
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu