Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
ZIMBABWEAN entertainers Oriyano and Cupcake Amor have earned international recognition after being nominated for the 2026 Zikomo Africa & Caribbean Awards.
The nominations have placed the two Zimbabweans among entertainers from across the continent competing for honours on a platform that celebrates talent in various creative sectors.
Oriyano leads the Zimbabwean nominations with two nods after being shortlisted for “Zikomo Male Artist of the Year” and “Zikomo Best Artist —Southern Africa.”
The recognition gives the musician an opportunity to compete with other African artists while placing his work on a wider continental platform.
His nominations come as he continues to establish himself on Zimbabwe’s contemporary music scene.
For Oriyano, the recognition represents an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwean talent beyond the country’s borders.
The nomination also comes with an opportunity for fans to play a role in the outcome, with the awards relying on public voting.
Meanwhile, dancer and choreographer Cupcake Amor has also received two nominations.
She is in contention for “Best Zikomo Dancer of the Year” and “Best Zikomo Choreographer of the Year,” highlighting her contribution to Zimbabwe’s dance and choreography sector.
Her double nomination reflects the growing visibility of Zimbabwean dancers and choreographers, who continue to play an important role in music performances, videos and live entertainment.
The Zikomo Africa Awards describe themselves as a platform “celebrating excellence across entertainment, fashion, film, media, business and other creative sectors.”
The awards also give the public a significant role in selecting the winners through voting.
According to the nomination information, voting for the 2026 awards is scheduled to open on October 5 and close on November 30.
The voting period is expected to give Zimbabwean fans an opportunity to rally behind the two nominees.
Oriyano’s nominations cover both a male artist category and a Southern Africa category, while Cupcake Amor has been recognised in both dancing and choreography.
The nominations have also sparked interest among Zimbabwean entertainment followers, particularly at a time when local creatives are increasingly seeking opportunities on regional and international platforms.
The recognition comes as Zimbabwean musicians, dancers and other creatives continue to use digital platforms and international awards to expand their audiences.
For the two nominees, the nominations offer another opportunity to place Zimbabwean creative talent in the spotlight.
Supporters will now have the chance to participate in the awards process, with the organisers urging the public to vote when the voting window opens.
The categories themselves underline the significance of the recognition, with Oriyano competing for “Male Artist of the Year” while Cupcake Amor is seeking the titles of “Best Zikomo Dancer of the Year” and “Best Zikomo Choreographer of the Year.”
With voting set to run until November 30, attention will now turn to whether the two Zimbabweans can convert their nominations into victories at the 2026 Zikomo Africa & Caribbean Awards.
