Chronicle Editor
Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Correspondent
ARTISTES from Bulawayo have expressed gratitude and excitement for the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) whose nominees for the sixth edition were announced on Wednesday.
Creatives who spoke to Chronicle Showbiz said the awards continue to play a huge role in terms of recognising their efforts and work. They said this is encouraging them to work even harder in serving the country’s arts industry.
This year’s edition which will be held on Christmas Eve saw over 100 artistes being nominated in 36 categories. Leading the pack of nominees are Msiz’kay and MJ Sings with three nominations each. Coincidentally, they are the only male artistes who held one-man shows around the city in the past year.
Hip-Hop artiste Msiz’kay said he is pleased that his works continue to get recognised.
“I’m very excited about the nominations. It shows that our work as artistes is being recognised and this pushes us to work even harder. What’s even more humbling is that it’s not just one nomination, but three. This is evidence that people love what I do and also means ‘imisebenzi iyabonakala’ (our work is being noticed),” said Msiz’Kay.
The musician who launched his third album this year encouraged fellow artistes to be unique and consistent saying that way, they will be guaranteed of achieving results.
Poetess, actress, and musician Lady Tshawe who received two nominations in the Outstanding poet and Outstanding theatre actress categories said she is honoured to have been nominated.
“I’m honoured, humbled, and excited, particularly for my first-ever nomination in the poetry category. These awards are a reminder that we’re celebrated and our works are appreciated. It also shows that what we do as creatives has an impact,” she said.
“I want to say to every up-and-coming artist, keep on working on your dreams, they are valid. Never forget your purpose as that purpose will keep pushing you forward when you’re at your lowest,” said the versatile artist.
Afro-soul crooner MJ Sings who has been nominated for the first time said he is in shock.
“I’m still in shock as this is my first-ever nomination and there are three of them. For two of the nominations, I’m not nominated alone as there are people that I worked with to make these projects a success and gain recognition for merit.
“I’m still digesting this news so I want to thank everyone who nominated me as this is a boost to my career. This is not my celebration alone as it’s for everyone that I’ve worked with,” said MJ Sings whose Koloyi song is nominated for Song of the year.
Andrea The Vocalist who is also nominated for the first time expressed gratitude to those who continue to believe in him.
“Proud to announce that I have been nominated for the 2022 Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards. A big shout out to Aubrey Qwana (for the collaboration), Juizee SA (Uhambo producer and songwriter), Dobby 4040 (Uhambo engineer), my family, supporters, church members, sponsors and management,” wrote the youngster on his Facebook fan page.
Mzoe7 said he owes the nominations to everyone who has opened up to working with him.
“I feel celebrated and humbled, but most of all, I feel like I owe the nominations to every person and corporate that gave me a chance to work with them or perform for them. This year was a great one as I managed, to not only perform in every province in Zimbabwe, but also around Africa and America,” he said.
Nominated for the highly contested Outstanding male artiste of the year category are Asaph, Q Dube, Msiz’kay, Mzoe 7, Everton Mlalazi and Vusa Mkhaya while Charmaine Mudau, Joy Rukanza, Nkwali, Bhekiwe, Sithandazile Dube and Nobuntu are nominated for Outstanding female artiste of the year. Newcomers, Bhekiwe, Joy Rukanza, Acquilla K, Stacey Mataruse, Charleston Trust Primary School and Andrea The Vocalist are vying for Best Newcomer. – @SeehYvonne
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter