Tinomuda Chakanyuka

Leisure Correspondent

Zimbabwean talent in the arts continues to soar to greater heights, gaining more international recognition and consequently flying the country’s flag high.

After local artistes such as sculptor Domenic Benhura, and musician Oliver Mtukudzi, to mention a few, having claimed international accolades in the past, more and more artistes continue to have their works acknowledged on the international scene.

Recently three of the country’s sons were nominated for the African Gospel Music Awards (AGMA) set for Lighthouse hall, London on 7 July this year.

The nomination of the three is a sign that country’s talent in the arts is not mediocre and thus should not be underrated by any means.

Gospel sensation Prince “Mwana wamambo” Mafukidze, South African based rising gospel jazz artiste Prosper Mateva and ZIMNET radio Disc Jokey Tatendaishe Gudyanga are inline for the prestigious awards.

Gudyanga is known in his circles as DJ Tait.

The three were nominated in three different categories in a nomination process that started on 21 April this year.

Prince Mafukidze has been nominated in the Artiste of the year (Southern Africa) category, together with nine other artistes from the region.

Other artistes vying for the same award are Patrick Duncan, Solly Mahlangu, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Ambani Ramaru, Sfiso Ncwane, Bakhe Dlamini, Keke Phoofolo, Thobekile Mkhwanazi and Ntokozo Mbambo.

Gweru-born Prosper Mateva, who has two albums to his name, is inline for the Discovery of the year award where he has been nominated with nine other artistes from across the continent.

His latest album Pandimire — Where I stand — which is doing well on South African radio stations earned him the nomination and the former MSU student is ecstatic about the nomination which is his first since coming into the music industry.

“I am quite inspired by this nomination. It feels good to know that your music is reaching that far, enough to earn a nomination. Just being nominated is enough inspiration for me and winning the award will be a bonus, but all the same I am hoping for the best,” said the Pretoria based artiste.

According to the AGMA website, the awards will be based on a voting system.

The artiste, who will have amassed the highest number of votes in their category when voting ends on 30 June, wins the award.