adminYeukai Karengezeka Entertainment Reporter
All is set for the much anticipated inaugural Zim Dancehall Awards ceremony which are on tonight at the College of Music in Harare. Event co-ordinator, Phinias Mushayi said everything is in order and the adjudicators were in the process of selecting the winners.
“We are happy because everything is in place.
“Today (yesterday) our adjucators are selecting the winners as per the votes they received. All the 18 categories found sponsors and the winners will be given hampers by their sponsors,” he said.
The awards are meant to honour the artistes and also those involved in the whole dancehall industry including promoters, producers, DJ’s, the media, video producers and other stakeholders.
The event will be graced by Government officials, corporations, seasoned musicians from other genres and arts patrons.
According to Mushayi, some of the artistes who were dominating on online voting page include Winky D, Killer T, Soul Jah Love,Dhadza D and Ricky Fire. Categories available include Best Artiste (male and female), Best Collaboration, Song of the Year, Best Riddim, Young and Upcoming Artist (male and female), Best Video, Best Artiste Manager Best Artiste from outside Harare and Legend of Zim dancehall among others. Dancehall originated from Jamaica and has been modified into a Zimbabwean form that has literally dominated the music scene over the past two years.
Nominees
Best Artiste 2013 (male)
Killer T, Sniper, Freeman, Winky D
Best Artiste 2013 (female)
Lady Squanda, Bounty Lissa, Itana, Expatriot
Best Collaboration
Kinna and Empress Fyna – “Zvangu Zvauya”, Jah Love and Celo Culture – “Minana”, Killer T and Shinsoman – “Pamakati”
Best Vocalist
Jay C, Seh Calaz, Celcious, Guspy Warrior
Song of the Year
“Mafirakureva” – Winky D, “Mawaya Waya” – Shinsoman, “Ndini Uya Uya” – Soul Jah Love, “Ita Seunononga” – Guspy Warrior, “Dairai Dairai”- Dadza D
Best Social Message
“Mafirakureva” – Winky D, “Ndini Uya Uya” – Soul Jah Love, “Positive” – Jay Cee
Best Live Performer
Dhadza D, Winky D, King Shaddy, Rick Fire, Kinnah.
Best Riddim
Black Out, Zimbo Flavour, Duplin Duplin,
Best Producer
Levels,Sunshine, Jeepers,
Best Upcoming Artiste
Killer T, Souljah Love, Lady Banks, Shinsoman.
Best Video and Choreography
“Mabhanditi” – Seh Calaz, “Kuvarira” – Sniper, “Tsamba Kuvashakabvu”- Winky D, “Magets – Smiley, “Maffcat – Zvatanga
Best Album
Freeman – “New Chapter”, Sniper – “Dong Feng”, Guspy Warrior – “Handikwanise Kuzvitaura”, JC – “Tazvivharisa.”
Best Artiste from Outside of Harare
Crystal, Legion, Centre Party Legion. Best Dance Hall Dance Group Street Madness, Legendary, Legendary, Desert fox, Ghetto creepers, Flying legends.
Best Artiste Manager
Chido Musasiwa Gutu (Sniper), Mr Banda (Winky D), Watson Kaffela (Freeman.)
Best Reggae Artiste
Mannex, Mic Inity, Power Rasta. Most Promising Artiste Tocky Vybz, Power Rasta, Eddylino, Maggikal, Terminator, Platinum Prince.
Online Reporter