Mapressa Glam founder in line for fashion excellence award

South Africa-based Zimbabwean entertainer and events promoter DJ Mapressa (Promise Sibanda) has been nominated for the Excellence in Fashion award at the upcoming South Africa-Zimbabwe Business Expo Awards.

DJ Mapressa is an entertainer and entrepreneur from Tsholotsho, widely recognised for promoting fellow artistes from the southern region of the country and for organising the annual Mapressa Glam and Fashion Show, popularly known as Mapressa July, in South Africa. The event aims to unite people through fashion and culture. He is nominated alongside Alice Chirwa, Nyarai Mazanhi, Siboniso Ncube, Tayameaca Hughes and fashion brands Zim-bhoo/263wear.

The nomination comes at a time when preparations for the Mapressa Glam & Fashion Show in Midrand are already generating excitement.

DJ Mapressa said the nomination was a sign that the public was beginning to recognise the impact of his brand and creative vision.
“This nomination shows that Mapressa Glam is now gaining visibility and recognition from the public. For me, it’s not just about receiving an award, but proof that the work we’ve been putting into fashion, entertainment and events is finally being appreciated by a wider audience.
“It motivates me to keep pushing harder and creating bigger platforms for creatives,” DJ Mapressa said.

He said preparations for the upcoming event taking place on June 6 are progressing smoothly.
“Preparations are going very well. The response has honestly been bigger than we expected, with even the general tickets already exceeding the venue’s capacity. That alone shows that people are now appreciating the beauty of the event and understanding the vision behind it.”

The SA-Zimbabwe Business Expo Awards gala will take place on Saturday at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The awards public relations and marketing representative, Nicole Jamu, said the platform was created to strengthen economic and investment ties between Zimbabweans in the diaspora and their home country.
“The South Africa-Zimbabwe Business Expo was created to bring together captains of industry, businesspeople and government officials in a landmark event aimed at strengthening economic ties and encouraging investment back home.

“Zimbabweans living in South Africa have the potential to drive meaningful investment into Zimbabwe, and this platform was created to reinforce that vision while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and creatives,” Jamu said.

She said the awards showcase goes beyond business and also recognises excellence in different sectors, including the creative industry.
“We have over 20 award categories that celebrate people excelling in their industries, and the creative sector is one of them. For young creatives, this is an opportunity to connect with mentors, investors and collaborators who can help turn ideas into real businesses.
“The message is simple – creativity has real economic power, and young people should use their talents to build sustainable careers and contribute towards the country’s growth,” said Jamu.