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Blessed Katiyo
SUNGURA maestro Alick Macheso was on Friday night honoured with a Life Time Achievement Award at the inaugural Underground Entertainment Awards at Newtown Music Factory in Johannesburg.
This was in recognition of his years in the music industry where he is now one of the leading lights in Zimbabwean music circles.
Hosted by talented actor Leroy Gopal, the glitzy event started at 8pm.
Urban grooves star Nox Guni bagged the Best Artist In The Diaspora award.
Organized by Underground Entertainment, in collaboration with Econet Call Home and Mukuru, the event garnered praise from Eliah Phiri, the Consular-General of Zimbabwe in South Africa, who commended the organisers for promoting Zimbabwean talent internationally.
Insimbi Zezhwane emerged as the night’s biggest winners, securing accolades for Best Styled Group and Best Male Artist.
The Best Music Video Award went to “Sungano” by Jah Prayzah, featuring Feli Nandi.
Awards founder, PK Nkomo, presented the special awards, honouring the late Elvis “Ma Era” Mathe of Insimbi Zezhwane with a Legacy Award and Macheso with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
“It’s an honour to recognise the contributions of the late Elvis and Alick Macheso to the music industry. Their remarkable talent has left an indelible mark.”
A number of socialites in the Jozi entertainment circles graced the sold-out event. They included promoters Felistas Chizororo, Oliver Mambambamba, Oliver “011” Noruware, Boss Farook, Chicco and others.
Following the awards ceremony, the event continued with electrifying music performances.
Insimbi Zezhwane captivated the audience with their dynamic performance, showcasing why they were among the night’s top winners.
Macheso and his Orchestra Mberikwazvo took the stage next, delivering a four-hour set that included hits like Gogogoi, Charakupa, Mundikumbuke and Tafadzwa, keeping the crowd entertained throughout the night.
He was then joined by Nox for a cameo performance.
The organisers expressed plans to host a bigger edition next year, buoyed by the overwhelming reception.
“Our main goal is to celebrate and promote local talent.
“We are grateful for the success of the event and humbled by the professionalism showcased by our main acts — Orchestra Mberikwazvo and Insimbi ZeZhwane.
“The event united us as Zimbabweans despite our tribes and it is something we will continuously endeavour to do,” said event publicist Munashe Rungano.
Online Reporter