It was not all bliss for hip hop artist Briss Mbada who could not hide his disappointment at the just ended Zim Hip Hop Awards5th edition held at 1+1 Longchen Plaza in Harare.
The Harare Hucci hitmaker who was nominated for best Male Hip Hop award nearly brought business to a halt after he failed to land the award which was clinched by high-flying Cal-vin from Bulawayo after also scooping song of the year and best album award.
In a protest reminiscent of the 2014 edition’s PeeKay and former Big Brother housemate Hakim’s near violent onstage tiff over the later’s sentiments that Tehn Diamond was supposed to win the award instead of Pee Kay.
Security had a difficult time restraining the sleek looking Mbada who charged fearlessly towards the podium where Cal-vin appeared unmoved and business continued as usual as he delivered an emotional speech much to the applause of the cheerful audience.
The melee continued even after Briss Mbada was shoved out of the venue by bouncers with his entourage hurling insults at both the winner and the organisers.
Briss Mbada being restrained by security. Pic by Plot Mhako
After a few minutes, the furious artist left. He was seen back outside the venue when the awards ended, now bit calm.
Zimbuzz caught up with the Briss Mbada and this is what he had to say:
“I have the hottest album at the moment and I am the hip hop artist of the moment, I did what I did because I wasn’t ok with people whose music is not in the streets to be honoured with the best male,” he said.
“The way I reacted is the right way to have my concerns and grievances addressed. Right now my next move is to prove to people that I am the best artist in Africa.”
However, Cal-vin said he did not know who Briss Mbada was when the incident happened and had only seen his name for the first time on the nominees list.
The Luveve boy is riding high on the success of his single Z’Khupan which also features a remix which he did with SA’s Cassper Nyovest.
Cal_Vin delivers his speech after winning Best Male Artist. Pic by Plot Mhako
Such controversy is not synonymous with Zimbabwean awards only, remember In 2009 Kanye West jumped on stage to interrupt Taylor Swift’ MTV VMA award acceptance speech and suggested that Beyonce deserved the award.
Fast forward 2015 in Zimbabwe a similar incident took place at the Zim Hip Hop Awards.
Nonetheless, the occurrence did not kill the spirit of the awards and the organisers must be commended for setting high standards this year.
Modelling legend and Patron of Miss Zimbabwe TrustKiki Divaris has been laid to rest.
Kiki was buried this afternoon at Mbare’s Pioneer cemetery.
Government officials, Modelling and fashion personalities attended to pay their last respects to Divaris who was this week declared a liberation war heroin.
Those present included Commander of the Defense forces General Dr Chiwenga and wife Mary Chiwenga who is chair of Miss World Zim.
Modelling Agent Mercy Mushaninga, former Miss Zimbabwe Malaika Mushandu.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Harare Province Miriam Chikukwa and Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa.
Prosecutor General Johannes Tomana, Honourable Betty Kaseke, Barbara Mzembi, his Excellence the Greece Ambassador to Zimbabwe among a host of other high-profile figures.
In her tribute speech at the Orthodox church in the city centre, Mrs Mary Chiwenga described Kiki as a loving person and a unifier.
She said Kiki always taught her how to take care of other people and always pressed that she took care of her husband.
Below are the images from the church proceedings:
Mrs ChiwengaMrs ChiwengaMercy MushaningaMiss World Zim Spokesperson Mr Chirau (in black suit)
General and Mrs ChiwengaModelling communityProsecutor General Mr Tomana
This Thursday theZim Hip Hop Stars gather for yet another night, full of music and this is the time when the contenders meet and, of course, the Mayweathers will be knocking off the weak contenders of the nominees list.
When such fistful nights occur, it’s always another joyful marriage between music and fashion.
Aldrian Beefy Harrison and girlfriend, at last year’s ceremony
Usually, awards ceremonies are a formal occasion with but Hip Hop is a creative industry and there will be no room for conservative dressing.
And this year there is a prize for the best-dressed person of the night.
So we asked fashionistas what they think will dominate the red carpet.
Tafadzwa Zimoyo –The Boss
For a start the show is all about bling, swaged up and classic.
Not that I am talking of the show but I’m more focused on the fashion police side as this year the organisers said there is an award for best dressed.
Well looking at how some hip hop musicians, promoters and producers organises their events I think this year the show itself will run money on fashion red carpet moments for the first time.
No more kids stuff at the show, please.
Golden tip, the show is different from the Golden Globe, Oscars, NAMA or ZIMAwhere you can pull it off with a tuxedo and bowtie.
Be guided what hip-hop is all about and don’t be mistaken for something with the wrong outfit.
If you want the complete full suit then make sure it is brighter with a bit of funky. Unless you are the CEO of the company or sponsors then you lucky but still dress to express and impress.
When it comes to dressing up for award shows I think Hip Hop Awards are more exciting in terms of fashion.
Fashion and Hip Hop cannot be separated, as you may have noticed by now Hip Hop artists are fashion forward and they mention fashion and luxury brands in their lyrics from time to time.
Rappers like to show off just how artistic they can be from their lyrics to how they dress. I remember attending the Zim Hip Hop Awards 2 years ago and as I walked in immediately these two boys caught my attention. They wore gold and black rocking an 80’s kinda swag and they even had a boom box, neckline heavy with gold chains and they had after dark sunglasses on.
They had everyone’s attention.
Hollywood Lee, at last year’s Zim Hip Hop Awards
The thing about Hip Hop Awards is that sometimes people forget that just like any other award show one has to dress red carpet appropriate, elegant and stylish. In order to achieve this, I think it’s wise to get a designer to work with.
The mistake many people make is taking Hip Hop Awards as a ticket to look ratchet with ladies showing up half naked and guys opting for comfortable looks wearing shoes like plimsolls.
It’s okay to experiment with different styles while looking elegant. From the classic cocktail dress to the more relaxed pants look, one can also never go wrong in a ball gown or Tuxedo.
Don’t miss the mirror before heading out and keep it classy and elegant and when in doubt looking Hollywood is not a bad idea
Fashion Designer Tapfumaneyi Munenge
As we hit spring, fashion takes a leap of faith down memory lane. Think of 70s glam, power suits and strong cuts.
The main influence is drawn from the rise of Hip Hop in the late 70s leaking into the early 80s.
Let your suit do the talking as clean sophisticated cuts are expected to grace the red carpet with minimalistic influence and sharply tailored suits.
The silhouette is slim though the double breast box cut fit are also expected to feature.
On the other hand the female counterparts are expected to be influenced by strong masculine silhouettes, think of Grace Jones in Yves Saint Laurent.
“I don’t feel like I’ve fully been in love,” she says.
“Someone will break my heart… When you’re younger you think about love a lot, like, ‘I can’t wait to have a boyfriend. I can’t wait to be in love. I’m gonna write a bunch of songs about it.’
Tinashe recently posed for Playboy Magazine
“That was me.” She continues, “But that’s not my focus anymore. I find myself writing a lot more about being underestimated.”
She also said she is not much of a party person but instead prefer her couch more.
“I love being alone. I kind of prefer it,” she says.
“People assume that I’m super outgoing and always want to hang out. But truth be told, outside of work, I would definitely rather be watching Netflix.”
South African music sensation Zahara was in the country over the weekend, this is her umpteenth time visiting Zimbabwe.
Well, the show flopped. In fact, all the paying fans couldn’t even fill up one wing of the venue.
Here are the 5 things that we learned.
1. Zahara is not current hot property
This show flopped on the drawing board, that moment when promoters decided to bring the Loliwe hit maker to Harare
Zahara was hot property in 2011 when she dropped her debut album and that was evident by her first Harare show which was sold out. Of course, she is riding somewhat high with Phendula but that’s not enough to fill the HICC.
Even with help from Jah Prayzah the HICC auditorium couldn’t fill up.
2. Relevance Relevance Relevance
This is one aspect dancehall promoters have managed to master
Here I will refer you to the reviews we once did here on the new innovation of entertainment the Castle Lite party and the Beer Fest.
Just how relevant was Zahara in this festive season? I say not so much.
Here is why, its December time and expectation is high, people are looking for that one great artist who is gonna be the talk of the town.
Ok here we are not suggesting that you bring Adele to Harare but if it’s what people are currently jamming on then make a plan. Hello?
3. Even a radio station will not succeed marketing ‘irrelevance’
This was the biggest deception on the part of the promoters.
They partnered with Start FM, which has a large listenership by the way and thought hala all our marketing problems are solved and halved.
And Star FM did play their part.
But human beings are not that naïve to fall for the hype. They have to be a connection between what the people want and what the people care about. And Zahara wasn’t that.
4. Tuku is still the real deal
While the promoters were still trying to deal with our frustrations at HICC, Mudhara Tuku had all the traffic directed to Norton.
Our contacts there told us that the venue was packed. The reason is simple. Tuku is still relevant now as he was then.
5. Please no more Zahara
This simply was the message from perceived fans who decided to stay at home.
Star FM held their inaugural People’s Choice Awards at the HICC over the weekend where south african singer Zahara also gave a performance despite a poor turnout.
Here are the winners
Humanitarian Award – Nyarai Mashayamombe
Tilda present Nyarai with Humanitarian award
Business person of the Year – Wicknell ‘Sir Wicknell’ Chivayo
