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Zecheaus Nemadire Arts Correspondent
Preparations for the third edition of the Zimbabwe Hip-Hop Awards to be held in December are at an advanced stage with organisers unveiling 25 categories in which artistes will be battling for honours. There has been overwhelming response for the awards with some hip-hop fans and artistes encouraging the organisers not to focus on Harare only but to cast their net wider. Zimbabwe Hip-Hop Awards director and founder Aldrian “Beefy” Harrison said his team was working flat out to engage and incorporate all the provinces where the hip-hop genre is active.

“We are not going to limit ourselves to Harare alone. We have set up a panel of researchers from every city who are preparing the nominees’ list. The team has gathered useful information that we are going to use to compile the nominees and the sort of contribution they made to Zim hip-hop. So far indications are that there is so much talent out there,” said Beefy.

He said the judges have so far toured more than five cities among them Mutare, Kadoma, Kwekwe and Chinhoyi. The judges are also expected to tour Bulawayo, Gweru, Marondera and Masvingo. The rappers will be competing in the following categories:

1. Best Male
2. Best Female
3. Best Newcomer
4. Best Collaboration
5. Best Promoter
6. Song of the Year
7. Best Album
8. People’s Choice
9. Best Dance Crew
10. Best Radio DJ
11. Lifetime Achievement
12. Best Freestyle Artiste
13. Video of the Year
14. Best High School Act
15. Best Gospel Act
16. Best Producer
17. Best Hip-Hop Group
18. Best Album Art
19. Best Diaspora
20. Best Solo Dancer
21. Best Positive Social Contribution
22. Best Corporate Brand Supporting Local Hip-Hop
23. Best Regional Hip-Hop Act
24. Best Hip-Hop Media
25. Best Club DJ