Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Zimbabwe Hip Hop Awards (ZHHA) are poised to celebrate their 15th anniversary with a special tribute to two cultural icons whose influence helped shape the genre — Desmond “Stunner” Chideme and the late, Babongile Sikhonjwa.
Scheduled for December 12 in Harare under the theme “Cultural Estate,” this year’s edition will honour the duo’s enduring contributions to Zimbabwean hip-hop.
Organisers have announced that Stunner, the trailblazer behind the timeless anthem Godo, will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. His career, spanning more than two decades, laid the groundwork for local hip-hop, seamlessly blending street poetry, fashion, and mainstream appeal in a way that inspired generations of artistes.
“Stunner’s flow and fearless creativity defined a generation. He helped transform hip-hop into a household genre in Zimbabwe,” said the organisers.
Also set to be recognised is the late broadcaster Babongile “Rockstar” Sikhonjwa, who will receive a posthumous Honorary Award for his outstanding role in promoting and nurturing hip-hop through radio, events and mentorship.
“Sikhonjwa’s voice championed the culture from the airwaves to the streets. His legacy continues to echo in the work of young artistes he inspired,” the statement read.
The 15th edition of the awards will also spotlight the culture’s social consciousness with the launch of an anti-drug abuse campaign — a year-long initiative harnessing Hip-Hop’s influence to inspire positive change among the youth.
Submissions for the awards opened on September 29, with 28 categories recognising excellence across artistry, production, media and community impact. Nominees will be announced on November 14, ahead of the grand event.
