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Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Veteran musician Oliver Mtukudzi was the toast of the night when he thrilled at the inaugural MoneyGram Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) South Africa that were held in Johannesburg over weekend.
The aging singer was the headline act at the show, performing at the red carpet event alongside Mostwako artiste HHP, Nadia Nakai, Berita Khumalo and joyous celebration choir member Mkhululi Bhebhe.
Speaking at the event, the MoneyGram ZAA South Africa chief executive, Richard Moyo expressed delight on the turnout of events that saw winners being awarded from 15 categories.
“It was a successful inaugural event and the turnout was impressive as well.
It is our way of acknowledging the outstanding Zimbabweans who are flying the country’s flag high in South Africa. These includes musicians, business people, sports and media personalities among others. We wanted them to know that it pays to work hard from where ever you are,” he said.
He said the awards ceremony had taken six months to put together and were an extension of the prestigious Zimbabwe Achievers awards, United Kingdom edition and were sponsored by the same sponsors MoneyGram.
Popular Zimbabwean actor Leeroy Gopal of the “Yellow Card” fame was the
Personalities like film maker Melgin Tafirenyika, Yvonne Katsande, Napoleon “Napster” Nyani were some of the A list guests who graced the awards ceremony.
Former idols contestant and gospel artiste Mkhululi Bhebhe won the award for the Music Artist of the year, while top billing presenter Simba Mhere beat the likes of Vimbai Mtinhiri for the Media Personality award of the year.
Iconic musician Dorothy Masuku walked away with the Lifetime Outstanding Contribution Award that she was handed by Tourism and hospitality minister Engineer Walter Mzembi and his wife Barbra.
The Mail and Guardian won the Business of the year award.
Other winners were awarded in fields; Female Entrepreneur of the year, Male Entrepreneur of The year, Professional of The Year, Community Organization of the year, Community Champion of the year, Music Artist/ Group of the year and Sports Personality of the year, Media Personality of the year.
Moyo encouraged other Zimbabweans to actively participate in such awards from which ever countries they are based.
Online Reporter