Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Zimbabwe’s artistic and civic excellence will take the spotlight in Berlin this week, as Austria-based vocalist Vusa Mkhaya is set to perform at the German Africa Award ceremony.
The ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday at the Allianz Forum, will see Mkhaya share the stage with acclaimed Austrian pianist Roland Guggenbichler in a specially curated performance. Their collaboration promises a rich and memorable fusion of Zimbabwean vocal mastery and world-class piano artistry.
For Mkhaya, the invitation is a moment of immense pride.
“It’s an honour for me to perform at the event because it’s not an everyday occurrence to be selected to perform. So, I’m excited and looking forward to it,” he said.
The performance forms part of the annual German Africa Award ceremony hosted by the Deutsche Afrika Stiftung (German Africa Foundation). Since its establishment in 1993, the award has stood as one of Europe’s most respected honours recognising outstanding African leaders and changemakers. Laureates are celebrated for contributions to democracy, peace, human rights, sustainable development, scientific innovation, culture, environmental protection and social progress.
This year’s award brings an additional layer of Zimbabwean pride with the recognition of Namatai Kwekweza, an inspirational young activist whose passion and advocacy have earned her international acclaim. Kwekweza, who leads the WELEAD Trust, has been pivotal in advancing constitutionalism, human rights and youth political participation in Zimbabwe and across the continent.
The German Africa Foundation is honouring her with the 2025 German Africa Award, praising her “courageous commitment, leadership skills and inspirational role model status.” The accolade will be presented by the President of the German Bundestag, Julia Klöcker.
Reflecting on the recognition, Kwekweza said: “Receiving this award as the youngest person to have won it in this particular year represents a shift, particularly in the stories that are told and the priorities that are set. For me, it signifies a shift towards amplifying the voices of young people, especially young women. I am very keen to use the award as an opportunity to bring about the voices of the young people that I work with in Zimbabwe, but also the stories of the young people across the continent.”
Mkhaya’s involvement in the event extends beyond his performance. The internationally acclaimed musician, who last year became the first-ever recipient of the Willi Resetarits Prize, has been appointed to serve as a judge for the 2026 and 2027 editions of the same award. The appointment marks a powerful full-circle moment for Mkhaya, transitioning from honouree to a key voice shaping future laureates. – Follow on X: @MbuleloMpofu
