The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
THE annual Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) that are designed to honour and recognise Zimbabwe artistes who against all odds have raised the national flag high in the neighbouring country, South Africa and United Kingdom faced a public backlash after divisions surfaced on the awarding of Nadia Nakai as the winner of ZAA Music gong.
The Family Tree rapper beat afro-soul singer, Bekezela Nkomo who had quite a grand time last year with his album Bekezela, leaving hundreds approving and appreciating whenever he dazzled the stage.
Many Zimbabweans will remember Bekezela`s emotional performance in the inaugural Skyz Metro FM Awards where his hit bagged the best Soul hit gong. In South Africa, the singer has become a force to reckon with; performing alongside renowned soul singers like Vusi Nova and Unathi Memela.
Recently, he was invited to share his story to stardom by the South Africa`s national broadcaster, SABC1. It`s all his hardworking and perseverance that so his diehard fans tip him to scoop the ZAA Music accolade.
However, their dreams and expectations were in vain as Nadia Nakai, who is perhaps the best female rapper in Mzansi and popularly known for his hit Money Bag won the top price. A Bekezela fan who identified himself as Fortune Dube said Bekezela should have won as the singer had an exceptional 2017 compared to Nadia Nakai.
“I`m not saying I hate Nadia. I also love her but I think Bekezela deserved to win. Since launching his album he has done very well in the industry.
Many people have fallen in love with the singer because of his passion to deliver spectacular performances whenever he performs,” he said.
Another fan, who named himself as Teezy Ndlovu said he was a hip hop fan and was a strong follower of Nadia but believes Bekezela should have been awarded the music gong especially looking at his history to stardom which matches the vision of Zimbabwe Achievers Awards—to honour Zimbabwean artistes who against all odds have shined across borders.
Nonetheless, it will be unfair to say Nadia did not deserve the award as the singer has also been busy in the music industry. In the beginning of the year, Nadia dropped a hit titled Naamean which featured South Africa`s top rapper Casper Nyovest. The song is currently trending on Trace Urban Top 30 and also Trace Africa top 30 hits.
There were fans who supported Nadia Nakai accusing those who think she did not deserve the gong as jealous people. Besides the awarding of Nadia the Music Artist gong, scores of fans were impressed by ZAA which celebrates the art talents and business people of Zimbabwe. Other winners were as follows: Lifetime Achievement – Oliver Mtukudzi, Lifetime Achievement – Hugh Masekela, Largest Enterprise of the Year – DIDG – Diaspora Infrastructure Development Group, SME of the Year – Urban Grown Organics, Male Entrepreneur of the Year – Tapiwa Njikizana, Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Susan Granger, Professional of the Year – Sibonile Dube, Academic Excellence – Dr. M Chapwanya, Community Champion – Phephelaphi Dube, Community Organisation – Young Women in Business Young Achiever – Shamiso Kumbirai, Event of the Year – Oliver Mtukudzi Live in Capetown, Media Personality – Kim Jayde, Ancillar Mangena Sports Personality – Elvis “Bulawayo Bomber” Moyo and People’Choice – Oliver Keith aka NaJesca. -@NcubeBhekumuzi
