Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
MUTARE’S arts and entertainment sector is celebrating a landmark moment after several trailblazing women were honoured at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Manicaland Influential Business Women Awards last Friday.
From arts administration and innovation to craft and gospel music, these visionaries have redefined the province’s creative landscape, elevating Manicaland’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse and inspiring the next generation of talent.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) Manicaland manager, Carol Makoni, walked away with the Visionary Women Executive Award for 2025, a recognition of her transformative leadership in strengthening Manicaland’s creative and cultural ecosystem.
Makoni has been instrumental in positioning Manicaland as an emerging arts hub, championing the growth of the Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) and elevating local artists onto national platforms.
“This is the much-needed validation and endorsement of the Culture and Creative Industry,” she said after receiving the award.
“Our sector is growing in leaps and bounds, and the sky is not even the limit for us.”
Craftswoman and visual artist, Beauty Hughes, clinched the Women in Innovation Excellence Award, celebrated for her ground-breaking work in recycling and creative sustainability.
Hughes turns “end-of-life” materials—such as tyres, tractor disks, car rims, shock absorbers and other scrap metals—into striking furniture, garden décor and unique braai stands.
Beyond artistic expression, her work has had measurable environmental and economic impact through responsible green business practices, enhanced by her use of modern technologies to improve efficiency and product quality.
Her innovative wares have drawn admiration from government officials and international visitors, especially during the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo held in Mutare in September.
Said Hughes: “This award is a reminder that creativity can change communities. I believe in giving waste a second life, and through that, giving people hope. Innovation is not just about creating, it is about transforming.”
Gospel sensation, Dorcas Moyo, was honoured with the Woman of Impact in Music Award, solidifying her status as one of Mutare’s greatest musical exports.
Riding high on her chart-topping album, “Mugeri Tsvatu”, Moyo continues to dominate the gospel music scene with a growing continental presence.
Her discography—”Mhanza Haisekwe” (2023), “Bvudzi Rangu Ramera” (2022), “Bvisai Marara” (2021), “PaMarah Tapfuura” (2020) and “Ndibatsirei Mwari” (2020)—has built her a loyal following.
She recently lifted the CLIMA Africa Awards 2025 Indigenous Gospel Artiste of the Year and the People’s Choice Award, proudly raising the flags of Manicaland and Zimbabwe on the African stage.
“We continue to cherish the recognition. Consistency is major ingredient to greatness. We have been recognised consistently and that is a testimony that we are on the right path towards our journey to become an international powerhouse. We always owe it to our fans and followers who are the engine behind the DM brand,” said Moyo.
Another talented gospel artiste, Carol Chidzikwe, won Women in Creative Industries Award.
Chidzikwe has become a strong voice in Mutare’s fight against drug and substance abuse, working as an ambassador to influence communities and young people.
Through her manager and husband, Baldwin Chidzikwe, she expressed gratitude for the honour:
“It means a lot. We are so excited and grateful to our fans for standing with us through thick and thin. We will continue doing the Lord’s work… and as we grow this brand across Zimbabwe and beyond, their support remains our strength.”
The awards celebrated individual achievement, while highlighting a shift in the province’s creative sector, where women are emerging as innovators, leaders, and cultural game-changers.
