Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE awards season is here and excitement is high ahead of the 2025 Zimbabwe Hip Hop Awards (ZHHA) after the nominees list was released last week.
This year features a mix of top stars and rising talent, promising a competitive ceremony. Leading the pack is multi-talented Sane Wav, whose six nominations confirm his status as a powerhouse in the local hip-hop scene. The Madzimai and Iyahoo hit-maker is up for Best Male, Best Album (for Kwela Initiative), Best Newcomer, Best Live Act, Best Hip Hop Hustle, and the prestigious Hip Hop Personality of the Year.
Scheduled for December 12 in Harare under the theme “Cultural Estate,” the ZHHA will celebrate 15 years of Zimbabwean hip hop. Sane Wav’s dominance reflects his prolific output and versatility over the past year.
Close behind are Bling4 and Bagga, each with five nominations, including Best Male, Best Live Act, Best Hip Hop Hustle, and Hip Hop Personality of the Year. Bling4 is also nominated for Best Collaboration and Song of the Year for “Boiz Rangu” featuring Runna Rulez, while Bagga is up for Video of the Year.
The Best Newcomer category is stacked with talent, signalling a potent new generation. Hooksmith (nominated for Best Collaboration and Best Verse for “Kepele” with Yadis) and Yadis (nominated for Best Female, Best Collaboration, Best Newcomer, and Best Verse for Sunday Morning Cartoons) stand out with multiple nods.
Below are some of the 2025 Zim Hip Hop Awards nominations:
Best Male
Bagga
Bling4
Sanewav
Runna rulez
Voltz JT
Best Female
Noluntu J
Yadis
Millz Million
Swazy
Banshee
Best Collaboration
Voltz JT ft Sanewav —Cannabis
Mickey Black ft Holy 10, Jake Miles, Banks —Bhema bhema
Bling 4 ft Runna Rulez — Boiz rangu
Scripmula ft Runna Rulez, Holy 10-bhururuka
Yadis ft Hooksmith —Kepele
Best Hip Hop Group
Luminous & Curtis Dee Rovar
Briza & Klyve beats
Mulanation
A99
Benefit Tanaka & phoenix beats
Best Producer
Nag beats
Calvinmadeit
Klyve beats
Curator
Caleb beats
It’sn’t worry
Best Newcomer
Hooksmith
Yadis
Briza
Sane Wav
Mickey black
Trap dee
Song of the year
Sanewav – Bhimu
Bling 4 ft Runna rulez boys rangu
Mr Nyamz – Mutupo
Mickey black – Bhema bhema
Young Gemini – Dhe nhanha dhe
Video of the year & video director
Sane wav – Maximal
Mr Nyamz – Mutupo
Bagga -Zvandinonamatira
Scrip mula – Bhururuka
Noluntu j – Skelem
Briss Mbada – I wish
Best Live Act
Bling 4
Bagga
Paintafresco
Noluntu j
Sane wave
Best Hip-Hop Hustle
Mr Nyamz
Voltz JT
Bling 4
Bagga
Sane Wav
That Boy Cadre
Hip Hop personality of the year
Sane Wav
R peels
Donne Jovi
Briza
Bling 4
Bagga
Kurry Suave
22. People’s Choice
Runna Rulez
Voltz JT
Sane Wav
Bling 4
Bagga
Mr Nyamz
