adminYeukai Karengezeka Entertainment Reporter
This year’s edition of Zimbabwe Music and Arts Awards (UK) will be held at Holiday Inn High, Wycombe, on November 30.
Hosted by legendary music producer Jusa Dementor (real name Tawanda Sibotshiwe) and Stephanie Chiyangwa, this year’s event promises to scale new heights.
Rise Up Investments chief executive officer Onismos Mphoshi said this time there would be a new look that pays homage to Zimbabwe’s national flower, the Flame Lily.
“The beauty and grace of the Flame Lily stands for all that is good about Zimbabwe.
“It represents the aspirations we have for Zimbabwean art to make its mark on the British and international scene in the same way West African arts have crossed into the mainstream.
“In fact, there is much more symbolism to the Flame Lily that fits into our ultimate objectives for this organisation,” he said.
The organiser also said that it is the duty of the community to celebrate artistes so that they continue to work hard.
“Honouring our artistes and celebrating them is one of the greatest incentives we can provide as a community to ensure that they never tire of expressing themselves.
“A lot of the nominated artistes dedicate a lot of time to their work even for little or no financial return but their passion is their main motivation,” he said.
The year’s entertainment bill is headlined by ZIMAA UK 2012 winner Shanky and Lloyd Tevedzai of Zimpraise, who is currently touring the United Kingdom and working on some projects.
They will be supported by Higher Ground Acapella, Farai Muvuti, Delvine Ndawana and Elisheba.
Mbira legend and music educator Chartwell Dutiro will add the gloss to the event with an inspirational speech.
This year’s event has grown to 23 categories in the fields of Music, Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Broadcasting, Promotions and Media also included in that number is an Outstanding Achievement Award.
Last year’s was event held in Maidenhead and saw newcomers Rhyme Assassin and Shanky walking away with the top male and female artiste of the year awards respectively while Bkay and Kazz took the prize for music video of the year for their collaboration with Decibel,
“Dancehall Style”. Mbuya Stella Chiweshe was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her pioneering work in bringing mbira to a global audience.
Since the awards’ inception in 2011, following on from the ZimAwards in 2010, ZIMAA UK has provided an unrivalled platform where all artistes based in the UK can be nominated and stand a chance to win the awards based on how many votes they get from members of the public.
Online Reporter