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Lianne Ndemera Arts Reporter
It  was celebration time for winners of Coca-Cola top 50 music charts as they got their prizes yesterday at Rainbow Tours, Harare.

Leading the awards show for coming out first on the Radio Zimbabwe Coca-Cola top50 was Rev Chivaviro who walked away with $2 500 for his song “Matishamisa” that got 442 321 votes.

He was followed by Admire Nago whose song “Wandigadza” amassed 388 579 votes and earned him $2 000.

Also in the limelight was Gweru-based female gospel artist, Mai Patai, who made history by becoming the first female artist to be in the top three of the radio charts with a song titled “Anokomborera” scoring 387 579 votes and pocketed $1 500. Gospel music dominated the 2018 Radio Zimbabwe Coca Cola top 50.

In the ZBC TV top 50 videos, popular Zimdancehall chanter Enzo Ishall received $2 500 for landing number one with ‘Kanjiva’ video. ‘Dzamutsana’ by Jah Prayzah came second with a price of $ 2 000, while Baba Harare completed the top three video list with his hit ‘The Reason Why’, pocketing $1 500.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Coca-Cola Brand Manager, Vee Chibanda said that they were pleased to contribute to artistes’ development.

“Artists play a significant role in keeping the society informed and entertained. It’s unfortunate their work is often taken for granted. We are proud as corporate that we have managed to keep our support for local artist despite the economic challenges that we are facing,” she said.

In the radio category, Killer T’s song “Hondo” landed number six, accumulating 354 406 votes, took Best Zimdancehall award. Alick Macheso was awarded the Best Sungura and Jeys Marabini walked away with best Radio Zimbabwe Jazz singer for 2018.

“Mebo” hit-maker, Obert Chari was named best upcoming artist while Dr Oliver Mtukudzi completed the radio category list with a veteran honorary award. Whitney Songbird received top female artist’s video award for ‘I See’.

All the category and genre winners walked away with $500.00 each.

Lucky viewers and listeners who predicted the top five charts were also rewarded with prizes ranging from television sets, radios sets and mobile phones.

“The fans are very loyal to the programmes and every year we have many of them correctly predicting the charts.

“We are humbled by their level of engagement and support,” said Chibanda.