The nomination deadline for the Australian edition of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards is fast approaching and the public have until 26 October to put forward candidates they feel have excelled in the last year.
ZAA Chairman Conrad Mwanza said that Australia has grown since its inaugural event and the calibre of candidates continues to astound him.
“Australia has a long list of Zimbabweans excelling in business, sport, the arts and music and, every year brings well deserving candidates whom we are thrilled to recognise and celebrate and l am optimistic that this year will be no different.”
Organisers of the event have also confirmed sought-after event host, Mandisa Mlisa as the compere of this year’s event.
The gala, scheduled for 24 November 2018, will be held at the luxurious Marriott Hotel in Melbourne.
“This gala dinner is the highlight of a big weekend in Melbourne for the Zimbabwean Diaspora in Australia and I am honoured to be the host of this glitzy and glamourous event.
I expect to see a lot of beautiful and well-dressed people and we will have a great time”, Mandisa added.
Born and raised in Bulawayo, Mandisa is an astute entrepreneur with a passion for empowering others through communication and positive engagement.
Meanwhile, the shortlisted nominees will be announced on Sunday 28 October via livestream on the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards Facebook page at 6pm Melbourne time.
Voting will commence and run until Wednesday 21 November.
It has also been announced that London Fintech Company, WorldRemit will continue as the global partner for ZAA International.
They will this year headline the event which honours the achievements of Zimbabweans in Australia.
The company also headlined the South African, UK and USA and editions.
The awards have become one of the most prestigious and significant events in four countries, bringing together business leaders and innovators from all sectors to celebrate the outstanding achievements of people of Zimbabwean heritage who reside in the UK,USA,South Africa and Australia.
ZAA International have also confirmed that there are plans to introduce Canada to the fold in the coming months.
Loud Africa Music Talent Search technical and production partner AfricanFire AF Media have clarified their role in the upcoming reality show.
This follows an erroneous report published in the NewsDay of 18 October in which AfricanFire AF Media were cited as the founders of Loud Africa.
In a statement, AfricanFire AF Media said there were engaged as technical and production partner for Loud Africa.
“As the technical and production partner for the Loud Africa Music Talent Search we would like to provide you all with this update.
“AfricanFire AF Media is a technical and production partner on the Loud Africa Music Talent search. Pabloz Productions are the founders and organizers of the production. As such AfricanFire AF Media does not comment on organizational and administrative issues,” read the statement.
“Lyndon Kapuya is a spokesperson for Loud Africa and acts on behalf of Pabloz Productions. He is not a spokesperson for African Fire AF Media.
“African Fire AF Media also said that they did not provide any comment through Mr Kapuya or otherwise to do with the project.
“While we have done work in production as a growing production house, most recently the successful AfricanFire AF Arts and Music Exchange which hosted American artists, our interest in Loud Africa, as has been communicated extensively, is to do with the technical and production aspects of the show that is filming, treatment, music production and more. Anything beyond that is out of our jurisdiction.
“Our track record and involvement in over a dozen music videos for artists such as Tamy Moyo, Bryan K and Ammara Brown amongst others with a couple of short films is testament to the work which we have done.
“As such we have become for some, a preferred choice as a technical and production partner.
“We continue to work on various projects not associated with the music talent search and we will be releasing the information on these in the next few days,” they said.
This year, the voice of Zifm and Zimbabwe’s premier media personality MisRed (Samantha Musa) is showing her gratitude to her fans by awarding two lucky fans an experience to remember.
Dubbed, ‘The Prom Makeover by MisRed’, this campaign will see high school leavers winning an opportunity to enjoy high tea with MisRed at a bespoke establishment.
A makeover for their prom by MisRed’s GlamSquad and a photographer to follow their entire prom experience from the high tea to the prom itself.
In her own words, MisRed said, “A Leavers Dance or Prom as others call it is an event that signifies a transition in a person’s life.
Senior Prom is a rite of passage for young men and women that is indicative of their transition from teenagers to young adults and I would love to be a part of that for two seniors who are in the #RedNation.”
This opportunity is open to both males and females. For a chance to win this exclusive experience, fans are being encouraged to post a picture of themselves and add a caption detailing why they deserve to win.
Then and more importantly, tag @imisred and hashtag their post with #RedGlam and #Prom2018. The campaign officially begins on the 12th of October 2018.
For more details and updates on this campaign, including reposts of potential winners, stay tuned on MisRed’s (@imisred) social media platforms!
From the brilliant and vivid jubilee ensembles to the totally amazing singing, the Fourth edition of the Gwanda International Gospel Festival oozed a free abundance of the presence of God.
A gospel fete of unparalleled standards, Phelandaba Stadium got to erupt once again as it showcased the best of voices from both sides of the Limpopo.
This year was a special one – as the Gwanda International Gospel Festival was for the first time broadcast on the national broadcaster to millions of Zimbabweans.
ZBC TV audience was given a glitzy welcome with a mini fireworks display as soon as the show went live. But a huge firework display awaited at the end of the Friday edition.
BigTime Group CEO and festival sponsor and founder Mr Justice Maphosa gave a brief history of the inspiration behind Gwanda International Gospel Festival and what it personally meant to him.
An audience soaked in special music
The way the stadium erupts each time a new act is introduced to the stage, one would think Gwanda is the birthplace of Gospel Music.
Performing acts such as Indosaka, Great Praise Melodies, Hybrid Psalms, BICC Jahunda In Praise, Matsepo Mohlala, Omega and Neyi skilfully interwove a fascinating blend of African gospel.
But it was the main performer Dr Tumi whose act drove the multitudes on a smooth enjoyable spiritual journey.
Dr Tumi
The music originated from the heart, his voice reached to the ends of the packed stadium as he took us to church.
His performance together with that of previous acts was befitting of a gospel festival celebrating its fourth existence in Zimbabwe.
The night’s performance was capped with a colourful fireworks display. The bright explosions of light, colour and sound together with the shape of the fireworks bursts went up Phelandaba Stadium and could be seen from a far distance.
Harare diners just got a delicious experience with the opening of the Haefelis at the Chisipite Food Court Wednesday morning.
Haefelis is another of the Simbisa Brands and will be housed alongside other flagship brands like Pizza Inn,Creamy Inn and Chicken Inn.
The brand has been a landmark success in Bulawayo and is a great addition to the café culture in Harare.
Haefelis at the Chisipite Food Court
Foodies will be able to enjoy a variety of confectionaries like croissants, doughnuts and a range of cakes.
Haefelis will also have a wide selection of scrumptious café meals like burgers,steak rolls and filled baguettes.
For those looking for wholesome breakfast options there are omelettes,French toast and fruit bowls, to name a few.
Simbisa Brands chief executive Warren Jeremy Meares
The food café has a great ambience as it caters for all walks of life and is the perfet place to come and chill with friends,go on a date, have lunch with family or hang out on a lazy day.
To give customers options, Simbisa Brands re-opened Zimbabwe’s beloved brands Pizza Inn,Creamy Inn and Chicken Inn alongside Haefelis at Chisipite Food Court.
It was that time of the year again – Zimbabwe Fashion Showcase (ZFS) returned and officially took fashion into the future with the project dubbed Zim 2030 – a glimpse into the future.
By Tidi Kwidini
To outsiders, Zimbabwe Fashion Showcase may seem like just another fashion show, until you experience it first-hand and understand that it is not just about what is trending or who is strutting down the catwalk, it’s about celebrating designers, their art and vision.
It represented the gathering of an industry that provides over 700,000 jobs for people across the UK and contributes an estimated £40 billion to the UK market.
ZFS is not just a tradeshow In reality, a trade event often sees press, buyers, trend forecasters, shareholders and others gather to see what is on offer for the coming months but, Zim Fashion Showcase brought more than that.
It brought a level of class and elegance. It took guests through a journey, a fashion journey; an exhibition of art in every sense of the word.
Like most fashion shows, attendees will decide what’s hot and what’s not, what can potentially be stocked in stores and what will remain on the side-lines.
Nonetheless, it was a day of appreciation and celebration of the hard work and commitment put in by designers.
The show featured four designers, as well as a guest designer and, showcased approximately 60 different designs.
Picture by Peter Cripps
Show attendees came from all over the UK to see the collections. Kitenge Festival founder, Jo Nganda, philanthropist Fikelephi Jackson and media influencer, Jan-Paul Weaper were among those who attended the show.
“It truly was an afternoon of firsts, as this season saw ZFS take the show away from the proverbial catwalk and to a restaurant style setup, that allowed guests to wine and dine, while embracing the future of fashion,” ZFS Founder Chiedza Ziyambe said.
“The event would not have been possible if it were not for our headline sponsor, Express Links and all our guests who made it one of the most memorable events yet,” she added.
One of the most anticipated fashion shows In perhaps one of the most anticipated fashion shows on the Zimbabwean community calendar, it saw Rose Collins show us why she is one of the most sought-after milliners at the moment.
Showcasing a blend of southern African and western influences, she wowed the audience, weaving them through a journey of intricate art and detail.
Moreover, South African based Kuda Matiza, presented his fourth collection for House of Hohwa called Ishango.
It was innovative, risky, wild and dedicated to women. He showed a range of African prints in his Summer/Winter collection, proving that you don’t have to wait for a particular season to be adventurous.
Matiza who featured in the second edition of ZFS, fuses urban ethnic garments and combines music, film, art and liberal African stories amongst other forms of art, which are reflective in his designs.
Away from the catwalks and sidewalks there was a strong presence of African print.
Whether it was trousers, wrap skirts, shoes or jackets, African print is the in-thing and was demonstrated by all designers in different ways.
Atuu Creative Director, Keili Bent took us on a journey, with many of her designs influenced by her Ghanaian heritage.
Each year 10 percent of the profits made from her work is reinvested back in to the villages, helping to create jobs.
Alastair and Jimmy Scott, owners of Koy Clothing, also impressed with their men’s line. It was classy, trendy and timeless.
The duo’s clothing line specialises in high quality garments made using the unique African fabric called Kikoy, which is 100% cotton, dyed in Kenya with locally produced dyes.
Each garment, dependent on the colour is named after a tribe in Kenya. A ladies line is due in February 2019 and there is no doubt it will be as remarkable as the men’s.
Guest designer Samson Soboye made a strong appearance Surprise guest of the season, Samson Soboye showed why he is a big player in the fashion game.
The British Nigerian creative, who has been in the industry for over two decades brought a fusion of colour, pattern and a culture mashup that both excited and left one mesmerised.
Picture by Peter Cripps
It was a strong collection that redefined African wear for men.
Hosted by Tidi Kwidini and Honey Nia, and with performances from neo-soul singer Nagug and cultural arts ensemble, uZambezi Arts, the event was held at the luxurious M Restaurant in Victoria, London.
This year, it was sponsored by money remittance company, Express Links International Limited.
Other sponsors included Bespoke Petals and Events, Lycee, Makeup by M and Phantom D.
Rising stand-up comedian, Alfred Kainga was among the top winners at this year’s edition of the Zim Achievers USA awards ceremony held in Washington over the weekend.
The ceremony, which recognised young achievers excelling in various sectors that include sport and business, also celebrated several academics and businessmen, including the late Jack Ramsey whose contributions to the game of basketball were recognised globally.
His foundation, Africa Outreach, also received the Chairman’s Honorary Award for services to the community. His grandchildren accepted the award.
Keynote speaker, Dr Lance Mambondiani, delivered another captivating speech, challenging Zimbabweans in the diaspora to invest in Zimbabwe. He also encouraged them to be innovative and to keep working hard to achieve their goals and ambitions.
Other speakers on the night included Dr Reggies Wenyika and Mtimandze Group Chairman and CEO Muzi Kunene, who congratulated the work that Zimbabwean’s are doing and praised them for celebrating each other.
Africa Union Ambassador, Dr. Arikana Chihombori- Qao, who also attended the ceremony, urged guests to rise up and be united in helping restore the southern African nation.
Other winners
Former ZBC presenter, Maimba Mapuranga was awarded the Ambassador Award for his work with Celebrate the Children.
He dedicated it to all the underprivileged children in Zimbabwe.
The event this year was proudly sponsored by Fintech Company, WorldRemit.
The enterprise, is this year’s global sponsor and has sponsored the South African and UK versions as well.
ZAA USA director, Faith Banda extended her thanks to the sponsors for their continued support and congratulated all the nominees and winners.
“The Zim Achievers process continues to surprise us each year. We get to recognise and celebrate the hard work and achievements of Zimbabweans who are excelling in the US in their various disciplines and we thank the public for helping us highlight the magnificent work that they are all doing.”
“We are committed to community engagement and we are thrilled that the Zimbabwean community is growing in the US,” she added.
Upcoming Events Meanwhile, nominations for the Australian edition are now open. The awards ceremony will take place on 24 November 2018 at the Marriott Hotel in Melbourne.
To nominate visit www.zimachievers.com/aus/nomination-form/
Now a permanent fixture on the Zimbabwean community calendar, the awards are now in four countries.
There are also plans in the pipeline to introduce a Canadian version of the awards soon.
2018 Winners list
Business of the Year Zim Tuckshop
Female Entrepreneur of the Year Thabisile K. Francis
Male Entrepreneur of the Year Steve Mutizwa
Professional of the Year Phillip Bamu
Academic Excellence Dr. Chipo Dendere
Sports Personality Dr. Rev Mwase
Music Artist Pastor Chaka Ngwenya Tino Chambati
Outstanding Achievement – Entertainment Alfred Kainga
Personality of the Year Simba Usore
Media Personality Marvellous Mhlanga Nyahuye
Event of the Year Women of Dominion
Community Champion of the Year Cassandra Sibanda
Community Organization of the Year Women of Dominion
People’s Choice Portia Kandemiri
Young Achievers- honorary awards Tariro Kandemiri Ru Chibanda Nyasha Zimunhu 2 bros in the Kitchen Danielle Sebata
ZAA USA Special Recognition Award Dr. Reggies Wenyika Dr. Tawanda Gumbo
Ambassador Award Maimba Mapuranga
ZAA Chairman’s honorary Dr. Jack Ramsay Africa outreach
ZAA Panel’s Choice Award Savannah Madamombe
ZAA USA Friend of Zimbabwe The Salvation Army Church- Harlem
Multiple award-winning gospel music sensation Dr Tumi is set to headline this weekend’s much-awaited Gwanda International Gospel Music Festival.
The three-day festival, heading into its fourth edition, is known for bringing together some of the continent’s gospel music heavyweights.
This festival takes place from the 5th to the 7th of October, 2018 at the Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda.
11 (eleven) bands have been confirmed from either side of the Limpopo River.
Dr Tumi, buoyed by his recent Voortrekker Monument milestone, will kick off the festival with a headline performance at the festival’s Opening Night on Friday October 5.
“We’re quite excited to have Dr Tumi coming through for the festival. He recently added another feather in his cap after he managed to fill up the 30 000 seater Voortrekker Monument Amphitheatre in Pretoria, South Africa. That speaks volumes of his abilities. His ability to write canonical songs that transform lives is something we admire.
It’s such a joy to have him come to Gwanda for the first time and we have no doubt he will put up a fine performance,” said Alson Darikayi, Big Time’s Group Corporate Affairs Director.
The Spirit of Praise duo of Neyi Zimu and Omega will also take turns to minister to gospel music lovers at the festival.
Budding local bands – Indosakusa, Hybrid Psalmz and Vocal Ex – have been slotted in for all three days of the festival.
“We believe Gwanda is a platform for budding local artists to rub shoulders with accomplished gospel stars and also grow their musical brands hence our inclusion of the three groups,” Darikayi said.
Another, multi-award winning gospel musician, Deborah Fraser headlines the second day of the festival, Saturday 6th of October. Fraser of the Abanye Bayombona fame comes along with Thina Zungu all the way from Durban, South Africa.
All the way from Pretoria, Takesure ‘Zamar’ Ncube comes to Gwanda for the third time.
“Zamar has proven beyond a shadow of doubt that in an industry where songs are recycled everyday, he is that rare breed who writes songs birthed from a place of prayer. He’s been part of the festival for the last two years and he has never disappointed,” added Darikayi.
Also returning to Gwanda is Mathias Mhere and ZCC Mbungo Stars.
“It’s obviously a star-studded line-up and we are hopeful that the people of God will praise and worship the living God.
Gwanda has always been about giving praise to the living God and it is our desire to see people from all corners of the nation exalt our Maker,” said Darikayi.
“Our theme: “THE WALLS OF JERICHO DID FALL” this year is quite foretelling especially as we work towards rebuilding the economy of our beautiful nation, Zimbabwe.
We believe walls of limitation that have kept the nation of Zimbabwe stagnant are tumbling as we lift our praise to the Mighty Man of War – Jehovah. Zimbabwe shall rise again,” said Darikayi.
Preparations for the festival are going on well, a 40-member team has been in Gwanda since the 27th of September setting up the stage.
DStv viewers in Zimbabwe will join with Mickey Mouse fans across the world in November to celebrate the 90thbirthday of the biggest personality in the cartoon world.
Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said a Mickey the True Original campaign had been created to honour nine decades of Mickey Mouse, focusing on his heritage, personality and status as a pop-culture celebrity.
“As November 18 marks 90 years since his first appearance in Steamboat Willie, now regarded as a classic film, a series of celebrations will take place across the world and will feature activities and broadcasts that feature Mickey’s impact on entertainment past, present and future,” she said.
On Mickey’s birthday, Sunday November 18, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior will feature special programming, while Mickey’s 90thSpectacular, a two-hour prime-time special, will be screened on M-Net later this year.This spectacular production will feature musical performances, tributes and never-seen short films, with superstars from music, film and television joining the birthday fun focused on one of the world’s most beloved characters.
This spectacular production will feature musical performances, tributes and never-seen short films, with superstars from music, film and television joining the birthday fun focused on one of the world’s most beloved characters.
“Binding generations together more than any other animated character, Mickey Mouse is the true original who reminds people of all ages of the benefits of laughter, optimism and hope,” said Ms Dziva.
“With his universal appeal and ability to emotionally connect with generations all over the world, no other character quite occupies a similar space in the hearts and minds of a global fan base and we are thrilled to be sharing in these international festivities.”
Steamboat Willie was first screened at the Colony Theatre in New York on November 18 1928, since when he has starred in more than 100 cartoon films and can be seen today on Disney Channel in the Mickey Mouse series and on Disney Junior in Mickey and the Roadster Racers.
“We in Africa can share our Mickey Mouse moments on social media using the hashtag #Mickey90Africa,” said Ms Dziva
The Zim Hip Hop Summit makes a second return to the Shoko Festival this Saturday 30 September to once again discuss pertinent issues about Zimbabwe’s hip-hop industry.
The Summit which was launched in 2017 also aims to bring local and international hip hop players to exchange information and explore ways of ensuring growth and sustainability n the industry.
Important individuals within the hip-hop community will come together to share knowledge and information that artists, promoters, managers, media and regulatory/authoritative bodies can use to proactively improve the state of the industry.
In line with the structure launched at the inaugural edition, the Summit will be made up of 3 panel discussions that will explore important aspects of the Zim hip-hop industry.
“We’ve enlisted the help of top musicians, activists, business people and enthusiasts to give holistic discussions taken from first-hand experience of working within Zimbabwe’s hip-hop industry,” said Amanda Murimba, the PR and Communications director of the Summit.
The 2018 line-up includes multi-platinum selling artist Don Dada; Owner of Punchline Media, Shingai Darangwa; Veteran Music Producer Clive Mono Mkundu; Political Commentator and music enthusiast KF Malindi Jnr;
MisRed; Lochnation; Zim Mumhanzi, Lincoln Prez, Hip Hop Artists Kikky Badass and Asaph; Mc Cut, Prezzo and KIRF Host Brian Willis, amongst others.
“Building on the discussions of last year, the panels will examine Hip Hop and Tech: Production, Digital Marketing and Branding in a Digital Age; Building a Sustainable Business Model; and Hip Hop and Power, respectively,” added Amanda.
Attendees can look forward to a fresh line up of panellists eager to engage on issues related to the Hip Hop Industry, practical talks with knowledge on how to use digital media to build your brand and a take on what hip hop’s role is in relation to social, economic and political issues faced by communities.
An exciting new addition to this year’s summit is that of an interactive cypher taking place during the panel discussion breaks.
This is one of the elements of hip-hop and will allow members of the hip-hop community to drop their best bars.
