The Sunday News
Rebecca Nyathi
HE is no stranger in the arts industry and therefore needs no introduction.
ZiFM presenter and producer, Delani Makhalima has been selected to be part of the Adjudication Committee for the All Africa Music Awards (Afrimas) which will take place in November this year.
The talented producer on Wednesday met the African Union representatives and the international committee of the All Africa Music Awards in Nigeria and discussed how the arts and specifically music can be used as a developmental tool in the continent.
The main discussion was on how to use music, culture and entertainment as a tool for Africa development.
Afrimas will focus on platforms, systems and tools that will enhance the African Music Business.
The All African Music Awards is working with the African Union Commission (AUC) in an endeavour to promoting African music worldwide.
The main ceremony will take place in Nigeria in November this year, showcasing Africa’s vast musical talent with over 32 award categories.
According to Makhalima, their discussion with the AUC was aimed at getting commitment from governments to embrace the music industry as a business and establish the government’s role to ensuring economic growth in this sector across the continent.
“We, in the music business are crucial in seeing music, entertainment and culture contributing towards Africans Governments’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Our leaders and governments in Africa have a critical role to play in making this happen,” he said.
The awards are in partnership with African Union Commission, which commenced last year where over 32 leading African musicians were awarded the most prestigious African music honour.
“The Afrimas are designed to celebrate the diversity of Africa music and reinforce a positive image of Africa and its people, globally,” said Makhalima.
Makhalima who is a notably one of Africa’s most successful music producers and radio presenter is also founder and executive director of MusiXNation, a South African based African music entertainment platform that aggregates and distributes content to music lovers and fans via mobile, broadcast, retail and online.
Makhalima has contributed to the growth and development of music for young people in Africa, mostly Zimbabweans and South Africans. He has worked and produced a string of chart topping and award winning artistes notably David Chifunyise, Willom Tight, Audius Mtawarira, Alexio Kawara, Dino Mudondo, Zonke, Tsakane TK Mhinga, Skwatta Kamp, Pastor G, Fasia, Afro Z, Jerusha, Roy and Royce, HHP, Plaxedes Wenyika, H2O, Zubz, his young brother Sanii Makhalima, Decibel, ExQ, Leonard Mapfumo and Kudzai Sevenzo to name but a few.
He is also well known in South Africa where he once worked as a presenter for SABC’s Metro FM which is one of Africa’s largest urban radio stations.
He worked with DJ Sbu, Glenn Lewis, DJ Christos, Bonang, Phat Joe, Kenny Maistry, Unathi, TBo Touch, Oskido, the late Eddie Zondi and legendary Wilson B Nkosi.
In 2012 Makhalima joined ZiFM Stereo as head of production and his department is responsible for the sound design of the radio station.
