Voting for Zima song of the year begins

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
VOTING for the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) Song of the Year has begun with award organisers introducing a new category, Best Media (print and electronic).

The awards, which were initially meant to be held last year, are now expected to be held on February 25 at the Harare International Conference Centre. They will run under the theme “Celebrating Leadership through Music”.

To vote for one’s favourite song, listeners simply need to send the name of the song to Whatsapp number – +263 718 678 601.

Jah Prayzah, Winky D and Killer T renew their rivalry as they have, once again, been pitted together in the same category. Jah Prayzah’s hit song Eriza is up against Winky D’s runaway hit Disappear and Killer T’s Takuda Kumbofarawo.

Gospel musician, Reverend Chivaviro’s Ebenezer could pull a shocker and win the award as the song has been popular on most local radio stations. Others nominated artistes include Roki and XQ (Alleluya), Fungisai featuring Killer T (Kana Zvandibata), Blessing Shumba (Chimwe Nechimwe), Janet Manyowa (Ndomira Pamuri) and Soul Afrika (Gulekwete).

Zimpapers journalists Sophia Chese from The Herald, Sunday Mail’s Prince Mushawevato and H-Metro’s Rest Mutore are up against News Day’s Winstone Antonio in the print media category.

In the Online/Electronic category, Zimpapers Tawanda Marwizi and Tafadzwa Zimoyo are up against Daily News’ Sharon Muguwu and Two broke Zimbos.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s fashion duo, Mbo Mahocs and Gilmore Tee will once again be responsible for the red carpet where they will take turns to interview celebrities. They will also play the role of Fashion Police as well as be guest presenters.

The duo, who are style icons in their own right, urged nominees and the public attending the event to dress to kill as they will be very critical with the outfits passing through the red carpet.

“I’m looking forward to hosting the awards on the red carpet with my partner in style, Gilmore. He’s so blunt and I feel for those who’ll pass through the carpet,” said Mbo Mahocs.

Said Gilmore Tee: “It’s good to be back at this year’s Zimas and I’m excited that Zimbabwean designers have been presented with an opportunity to showcase their works by dressing nominees. Please, do dress up.”