Saintfloew’s awards withdrawal raises eyebrows

During the recent Zim Hip Hop Awards (ZHHA), artiste Saintfloew withdrew from the event “for his own reasons”, according to ZHHA public relations and communications manager Terry Mudiwa.

In a statement released on Monday, ZHHA clarified the situation, stating, “Please be advised, after releasing the 2023 nominees, Saintfloew requested to be removed from the nominees list. As a brand, we must respect an artiste’s wish or request. There have been many versions of this issue. He was not part of the event or on the nominees list.”

This development led to questions about the credibility of the ZHHA, with some suggesting a rift between the two parties and speculating that the “Ndega Handigoni” hit-maker is “bigger than the ZHHA”.

Mudiwa re-assured hip-hop enthusiasts of the continued relationship between ZHHA and Saintfloew.

“Yes, he decided not to take part for his own reasons; there wasn’t any bad blood,” she explained.

In this year’s awards, Holy Ten took home three major accolades for Best Male, Best Hip-Hop Hustle, and People’s Choice, with Voltz JT following closely by winning the Positive Social Impact Award and the Video of the Year/Director of the Year Award for the song “Same drawer negown” at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare.

Bulawayo’s presence was notable as Noluntu “Ndlunkulu” J won the Best Live Act award, and South Africa-based rapper Mlue Jay received the Best Diaspora award.

Here is the full list of this year’s winners:

1. Best Male ~ Holy Ten

2. Best Female ~ Young Gemini

3. Best Collaboration ~ OCD -Amaihwe

4. Best Hip-Hop Group ~ Dough Major,Dingo Duke

5. Best Producer ~ Nasper Incoming

6. Best Newcomer ~ Kayflow

7. Best Brand Supporting Hip-Hop ~ Club Danger

8. Best Album ~Treasure – Malcom Mufunde and Synik

9. Best Promoter ~ Selector Base

10. Best Diaspora ~ Mlue Jay

11. Best Radio DJ ~ Sqattar Capitalk