The Sunday News
BULAWAYO musicians, who walked away with awards at the revived Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima), have expressed joy at having their works recognised after being sidelined for several years.
Acclaimed imbube group, Black Umfolosi, tjibilika singer Obadiah Matulana and afro-pop musician, Khuxxman scooped awards in the best a capella, best engineered album and best house music sections respectively.
Black Umfolosi lead vocalist, Thomeki Dube, said they were happy to finally receive recognition in local music circles and it was a good send off as they will be leaving for a month-long tour of Canada today.
He said the revival of Zima was a blessing in disguise as they were nominated and won in their exact category, a capella for their album, Summertime.
“I think we have seen other awards such as the National Art Merit Awards nominating us in vague and wrong categories but Zima managed to put us were we belong and thus our success.
“While we might have travelled abroad and won over thousands of people’s hearts with our music, without recognition at home we would not have felt appreciated. We are grateful to Zima for the award,” he said.
Dube said sector specific awards would go a long way in giving due rewards for artistes in various genres.
Matulana said he was happy to get an award after 27 years of toiling in the music industry with no recognition.
“Zima has set a good precedent by also recognising musicians from Matabeleland; we are Zimbabweans and should also be honoured for our efforts. I would like to extend my thanks to all my music fans who have been behind me throughout my career. They have provided the motivation for me to go on,” he said.
Matulana’s manager, Nkosana Mthunzi, said the award was a motivation and a sign that the musician had not been working in vain.
He said the win would give the musician the impetus to work harder as it was a morale booster.
Khuxxman, real name, Khulekani Bhethule, acknowledged Rome wasn’t built in a day hence success would not be instant.
“It’s always great to be rewarded for your efforts, it shows that as a musician you are on the right path and doing the right thing,” he said.
Dube and Matulana praised Zima for honouring Dickson Chingaira (Cde Chinx) by buying him a house saying such gestures were appreciated.
They both said Chinx had toiled hard in the music industry, adding that it was good he was given a house after his house was destroyed during operation Murambatsvina.
Zima made a return this year after several years’ sabbatical. Although the event proceeded well there were glitches that saw it fail to be a top notch awards outing although the organisers promised an improved event next time.
Below is the list of this year’s winners:
Best Traditional Music — Jah Prayzah (Tsviriyo)
Best Contemporary Choral Music — UFIC Choir (Devine Solutions)
Best A capella — Black Umfolosi (Summertime)
Best Sungura Music — Sulumani Chimbetu (Syllabus)
Best Hip-hop Music — Tehn Diamond (Tehn Diamond)
Best House Music — Khuxxman (Vumelani Isangoma)
Best R n B/Soul Music — Audious Mtawarira (House of Stones)
Best Afro Pop Music — Ex Q (Music Bank)
Best Dancehall Music — Soul Jah Love (Ndini Uya Uya)
Best Jazz Music — Ruzivo and Clare Nyakudyara (Ndega Zvangu)
Best Traditional Gospel Music — Mathias Mhere (Anoita Minana)
Best Contemporary Gospel Music — Sebastian Magacha (Tinaye Faithful God)
Best Collaboration — Sanni Makhalima and Umsindo All Stars (Zvachose)
Best Single of the Year — Cynthia Mare (Zuvarimwe/ Dai Zvaibvira)
Best Music Video of the Year — Nick Compas (Ingoma – DJ Stavo)
Best Producer of the Year — Sani Makhalima (Evolution Reloaded)
Best Engineer of the Year — Obediah Matulana (Isimbazo/Chimbadzo)
Best Male Artiste — Soul Jah Love (Ndini Uya Uya)
Best Female Artiste — Cynthia Mare (Songs My Mother loved)
Song of the year — Leonard Zhakata
Best Newcomer — Malimbah (African Sun)
Best Duo/Group — UFIC Choir (We are Family)
Best Album of the Year — Jah Prayzah (Tsviriyo)
International Achievers Award — Mokoomba
Lifetime Achievement Award — Dickson Chingaira
