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Zecheaus Nemadire Arts Correspondent
Television personalities Vimbai Mutinhiri (pictured) and Munyaradzi Chidzonga will this year co-host the Zimbabwe Hip-hop Awards scheduled for December.
Both Vimbai and Munyaradzi are former Big Brother Africa contestants with at least 10 years of experience in film and broadcasting between them.

Vimbai is no stranger to the small screen having started out as a model in Harare before leaving for South Africa where she rubbed shoulders with Africa’s who’s who on the catwalk and runways. At present she co-hosts Star Gist, a daily entertainment news and lifestyle show on Africa Magic Entertainment. She is one of the faces of the new Nokia Lumia smartphone series.

Last year Vimbai co-hosted the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards held in Lagos, Nigeria, together with IK Osakioduwa.
Munyaradzi, or just Munya to his fans, rose to fame when he contested in the Big Brother Africa All Stars season in which he lost to Nigeria’s Uti Nwachwuku by a single country vote. Later, he starred as lead actor in the film “Lobola”.

Aldrian “Beefy” Harrison, director and founder of the awards, described Vimbai and Munya as “heavy hitters”.
“Mutinhiri and Munya are experienced television presenters who are expected to turn things up. They are some of the biggest heavy hitters that we have in this country. We want to give them a chance to showcase what they know best and probably inspire other youths.

“As for Vimbai she is doing amazing stuff not only in South Africa, but also in Africa. She has a huge following and has contacts with some of Africa’s prominent celebrities through her programme called Star Gist which screens on AfricaMagic on DStv. So she has so much influence on society and her presence at the awards is welcome. Munya is well versed with the stage and such platforms,” Beefy said.
The awards ceremony, slated for the 7 Arts Theatre in the capital, is expected to draw a huge crowd as compared to the last two ceremonies. The organising team has engaged hip-hop experts from South Africa to organise the event.

“Hip-hop is fast becoming a big thing on the local music scene so the youngsters need our support. I promise not to disappoint at the show,” said Munya.

So far, the team has launched a website and Facebook page for nominations as well as votes. There are also latest updates about the event.
Flamboyant gospel rapper Mudiwa Mtandwa of the “10 Over 10” fame is expected to perform at the event.