Twenty upcoming regional artists battle for prizes

Latwell Nyangu

A competition aimed at empowering upcoming artists in Southern Africa has seen over 20 artists competing for the top prizes. 

The competition, organised by McLaren Chigwari of MacBee Promotions, will run until June 16 when the winners will be announced. 

Chigwari, who started his record label last year, is committed to supporting underground talent scouting, management, and promotions, especially for those without resources. 

The top 20 covers all genres, with notable artists including Elizabeth Manyowa, Fortunate Humbe, Mollaz Today Bhagu, Ally D, Ras Manadie, Albert Zinyemba and Mncedisi Moyo doing well in votes to occupy the top five positions. 

The competition is geared towards young artists and is aimed at awarding those who have been working hard during this period.

Born in Masvingo, Chigwari, who is a qualified electrician, relocated to Polokwane in Limpopo province, South Africa, where he decided to support upcoming artists from Southern Africa.

“I started my record label last year with only two artists who I groomed from scratch. These are Megasonic and Black Boss, who are doing well. Both shared the stage with Killer T last October in Kempton Park and also with Maggical, Jah Signal and Poptain.

“From promoting in-house, I am also looking into local ghettos around Polokwane with one notable birthday bash for locals which I started last year,” he said.

“I am also supporting DJs, including Saqume Saqumeta (Saqume records) and Dr Lawzie (Twenty Plenty).

“Fans regionally have shown support for the move on social media and are currently voting on Facebook for their favourite artists,” he added.

Some of the artists competing include, Fortunate Humbe, West love cranima, Black Boss, Mollaz Today, Joseph Sengai, Cn styles mabhanditi, Fizzman, Ally D, Albert zinyemba, Mrs D zanhi Chigome, Queen Abby Lattifah, Attempted Vybes, Mcdonald, Windyman, Nexas, Elizabeth Manyowa, Jah Promo, Mega Sonic, Mncedisi Moyo, Svikiro Svudzam, Ras Manedie, Dj Saqume Saqumeta and DJ Dr Lazwie Twenty Plenty.