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Selmor Mtukudzi with husband Tendai Manatsa (left) and designer Thembani Mubochwa

Xolisani Nyathi Arts Reporter

Musician Selmor Mtukudzi will don the recently-launched ‘‘Elephant Dress’’ at Zimbabwe Music Awards tomorrow night.

The dress, which was done by leading fashion designer Thembani Mubochwa, was launched at Meikles Hotel with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of wildlife. The award-winning singer has also been appointed ‘‘Face of Elephants’’ by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate.

“I have been appointed ‘Face of Elephants’ by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate and I am so excited about this new development. My role will be raising awareness about wildlife preservation,” she said.

“The Elephant Dress was not designed entirely for fashion but it has a deeper meaning. It was designed to raise awareness about wildlife and encourage the fight against continued poaching of Zimbabwean wildlife especially the elephants that have been killed in huge numbers.”

Selmor explained some of the items the dress is made of and their meanings.

“The dress is made up of two parts, the upper part with an influence and emphasis on elephants while the bottom part of the dress speaks to the environment, water and climate and is made of taffeta leaves material that creates waterfalls and clouds shapes.

“I am so excited because I will be the first person to wear the dress at a red carpet event.”

The designer has won himself several awards in South Africa where he dresses some of the biggest celebrities.

In Zimbabwe he was voted Best Male Designer at models awards last year.

To add on to this, Mubochwa has several designs for the Zimbabwean market as well, just like he has in South Africa, the only difference is that he is more popular in South Africa than in his home country. The designer says he is happy to contribute to the discourse on wildlife and to work with local celebrities.

He also took part at the last ZIMA where he dressed artists and showcased his skill.

“I am happy to work for the awareness of wildlife preservation. It is a way of contributing to this important topic and I am convinced that artists’ voices can add more weight to various campaigns being done on wildlife conservation,” said Mubochwa.

“I am also glad to be involved with ZIMA again after having been part of the awards at the previous ceremony. It is good that the awards are not only giving a platform to musicians, but fashion designers are getting a chance to market their designs and show their skills.”

Local designers will dress the nominees at the ceremony, which will make it more than just a music affair. Musicians will be vying for accolades in various categories at the ceremony that will be held at Harare International Conference Centre.