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Tina Musonza and Mutsawashe Mashandure Arts Reporters

The just-ended Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) show held last Saturday at the 7 Arts Theatre was a success, despite that some of the nominees did not manage to attend due to other pressing commitments.

The event, which was hosted by radio and television personalities, Becky K and Amard, saw ZIMA giving credit to local artistes for their competitiveness.

ZIMA also recognised the contribution of late artistes such as Mbuya Stella Chiweshe and Kelly Rusike.

The red carpet has always been a lifetime achievement for celebrities and they came dressed for the party.

The event saw ZIMA award winner Mary Anibal opening the show as she sang the national anthem.

Zimdancehall musician Freeman HKD was the toast of the night as he scooped four awards — ‘Song of the Year”, ‘Best Album of the Year”, “Best Male Artist” and “Best Zimdancehall”, while songstress Janet Manyowa and Feli Nandi followed in the lead with each getting two awards.

Manyowa received the ‘Best Contemporary Music’ and ‘Best Music Video’ for the song ‘Vaudze’ and was accompanied by her videographer to the stage.

In her acceptance speech, Manyowa said she was happy to receive the award and said the video was expensive to shoot, but worth it.

“Thank you ZIMA for the awards, for the video you know people see the work when it’s out, but this video took us four days and I feel that it deserves it,” she said.

This year’s edition ran under the theme, “Reimagining the industry” as it underscored wins and losses in the music industry.

The event rewinded the clock, honouring the late legendary music producer, football player and choirmaster Tymon ‘Whitehorse’ Mabaleka, who was accorded the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mabaleka played a pivotal role in shaping some of the best musicians locally through his expertise in music production.

Other live performers of the night included gospel musician Dorcas Moyo, who put up a scintillating performance as she sang her popular song, “Ranganai Henyu Asi Zvichakona”.

After emerging victorious in the Best Traditional Gospel category, Moyo took time to thank God and her fans.

“I would like to thank God for this award,” she said. “I want to thank my fans for the love and the energy to listen to my songs.”

Other energetic performances of the night came from Zimdancehall chanter Ndunge, who performed the hit song, “Nhaiwe Ndunge” which kept the crowd on their feet.

Hip-hop singer Ishan performed “Lola” backed by a dancing group.

But it was “Fire Emoji”, which brought the best out of the crowd, with everyone singing along and dancing to the song being performed by Leo Magozz.

Magozz won the ‘Best Collaboration Award’ for ‘Fire Emoji’ remix.

He said he was motivated by fans, producers and promoters to produce more hit songs.

“I feel humbled and very excited for being nominated for ZIMA awards,” he said. “It motivates me and the team to do more. I thank you all for believing in me, this year we are working on new projects.”

Below is the list of winners:

Best Group/Duo — Indosakusa

Best Newcomer — Leo Magozz

Best Album — David & Goliath – Freeman HKD

Best Zimdancehall — Freeman HKD

Best Sungura — Mark Ngwazi

Best Afropop/Afrofusion — Ishan

Best Hip Hop — Saintfloew

Best Collaboration — Leo Magozz & Friends – ‘Fire Emoji Remix’

Best Contemporary Gospel — Janet Manyowa

Best Traditional Gospel — Dorcas Moyo

Best R&B and Soul — Nyasha Timbe

Best Jazz — Josh Meck

Best Dance (House, Amapiano, Kwaito and EDM) — Leslie Kampila

Best Tshibilika — Insimbi Zezhwane

Best Traditional (Chinyakare/Chimurenga) — Mary Anibal

Best Traditional (Folk, Ezomdabu and Imbube) — Amaqaqa

Best Alternative — Feli Nandi

Best Producer — Oskid

Best Music Video — Janet Manyowa – ‘Vaudze’

Best Videographer — Studio Art Pictures

Best Diaspora Artist — Dr Chaii

Best Male Artist — Freeman HKD

Best Female Artist — Feli Nandi

Lifetime Achievement Award — Tymon ‘Whitehorse’ Mabaleka

Song of the Year — Freeman HKD