Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
RHUMBA musician Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu has emerged as the leading vote-getter in the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) 2025 People’s Choice Award category, topping the Top 10 list as online voting officially closed on Monday evening.
Mr Bones leads the pack with 19 446 votes, followed by Amathonga Amahle in second place with 13 234 votes, while DJ Mzoe sits third on 10 813 votes.
The People’s Choice Award is the only category decided by public vote at this year’s eighth edition of the Bulawayo Arts Awards.
In a statement released to nominees on Monday night, BAA organisers confirmed the closure of online voting and unveiled the Top 10 finalists who will now proceed to the final ballot vote during the main awards ceremony on Saturday, 20 December 2025. “Good evening everyone.
The voting on our website is now CLOSED. As promised, here are the Top 10 most-voted nominees (with their total online vote counts) for the Bulawayo Arts Awards 2025 People’s Choice Award. These nominees will be voted on via ballot on Saturday at the main awards. More updates in the next few hours,” read the statement.
The BAA 2025 People’s Choice Top 10, as at 15 December 2025, 1800hrs, is as follows:
1. Mxolisi Mr Bones (19 446)
2. Amathonga Amahle (13 234)
3. DJ Mzoe (10 813)
4. Mjox (8 749)
5. Umnikazi Wempuphu (7 634)
6. Godolude (7 127)
7. Amaculo Enjabulo (5 458)
8. Fab G Umshanakagogo (5 002)
9. Abigail Mabuza (4 706)
10. Black Diva (4 528)
Anticipation is building ahead of Saturday’s ceremony, where the final outcome will be decided by ballot, bringing the curtain down on one of the most hotly contested categories of the BAA calendar. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
