Sunday, May 11, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 79

#NAMA19 – Behold, Hip Hop’s Creative Explosion

There was no escaping the juggernaut influence that Hip Hop had in 2019 as Ti Gonzi was crowned the Outstanding Male Artist by the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA)

 

That a hip hop artist was accorded such a high honour by the country’s biggest arts awards, NAMA is a testament of the ever-growing influence of the genre.

After being robbed of the same at the Zimbabwe Music Awards, Ti Goniz has now won the Best Male accolade three times in this Awards calendar, Zim Hip Hop Awards, Star FM Music Awards and the recent NAMA.

2019 kicked off in grand fashion, ushering in the hip hop monster collaboration Kure on February 23 by Ti Gonzi and Ishan.

Barely a month after Kure’s release, Ti Gonzi would get attacked and kidnapped by robbers who left him for dead.

By that time fellow collaborator, Ishan together with the rest of the country were celebrating 200 000 thousand views of Kure.

All of Kure’s successes would happen whilst Ti Gonzi was battling for his life, he was stabbed in the head by the assailants and had to have his skull removed and put inside his belly for sometime before it was stitched back to his head.

The rapper then had a miraculous recovery.

As if he had a premonition of what would happen to him he drooped Kufamba Murima early April, a song he had recorded prior to the attack that happened in March.

His story and undeniable talent propelled the hip hop genre to higher heights and the following month in May he made an appearance at dancehall singer Enzo Ishall’s 25th birthday bash at the City Sports Centre and gave a wild performance to an equally wild reception.

A week later after making a surprise appearance at Enzo Ishall’s birthday he dropped the song Mabazooka , Enzo Nema Pumacol. The song earned him a Best Verse at the Zim Hip Hop Awards.

What followed was a spike in demand as the rapper went on to do about 30 collaborations with other inter-genre artists from ExQ, Willis Watafi, Ngoni Kambarami among others.

A flurry of congratulatory messages was sent Ti Gonzi’s way the entire weekend as the genre celebrated another victorious year.

Meanwhile, the 2020 NAMA Awards have left an indelible mark on the hearts and memories of art lovers after pulling off an amazing show.

The Awards were organised by Jacaranda Culture and Media Entertainment who are the event managers for the next 5 years under the executive leadership of Napoleon Nyanhi.

The event which took place at the Harare International Conference Centre was hosted by TV personalities Mbo Mahocs and Leroy Gopal.

NAMA Awards 2020 Winners Full List

Music

Outstanding Newcomer– Ishan

Outstanding Female Musician– Tamy Moyo

Outstanding Male Musician– Ti Gonzi

Outstanding Song- ‘Kure’ – Ishan ft. Ti Gonzi

Outstanding Album– Uhuru – Willis Wataffi

Outstanding Music Video– ‘Sunshine City’ – Flying Bantu

Outstanding Fiction Book- Out of Darkness, Shining Light – Petina Gappah

Outstanding Children’s Book- Songs of the Little Creature – Phumulani Chipandambira

Outstanding First Creative Published Book– A People’s Fight – Fradreck Hombiro

Outstanding Female Dance–Dadirai Mupandawana – Ezimnyama Dance Group

Outstanding Male Dancer– Selemani Mpochi – Ochestra Mberikwazvo

Outstanding Theatre Actress– Charmaine Mudau – Imbokodo

Outstanding Screen Production (Television Series)– Muzita Rababa – Shem Zemura

Outstanding Screen Production – Short Film– Redefining the Road – Tapiwa Gambira

Outstanding Mix Media Work- Distorted History – Anthony Bumhira

Outstanding 2 Dimensional Work– Cyclone Idai where is Mommy? – Calvin Chimutuwah

Outstanding 3 Dimensional Work– Tribute to the mother of generations – Stanley Mutanga

Outstanding Exhibition- Pieces for Peace, Pieces, Revolutionary Freshness – Talent Kapadza & Schuma Herscovitz

Outstanding Journalist (Print)– Tafadzwa Kachiko – Newsday

Outstanding Journalist (TV)– Masceline Bondamakara – ZBC

Outstanding Journalist Radio – Anesu Masamvu – ZiFM

Outstanding Online Media- Zimbojam

Outstanding Comedian– Long John

Outstanding Poet– Sithembile Siqhoza Ndebele

Outstanding Actor (Film and TV)– Percy Soko – Mandla

Outstanding Actress (Film and TV)– Antoinette Sango – Mandla

Outstanding Screen Production (TV)–Mandla – Solomon Mandaza

Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)– Redefining the Road – Tapiwa Gambura

Outstanding Screen Production (Full-length Film)– Stay with Me – Nick Zemura

Artist in the Diaspora– Vusa Mkhaya

Outstanding Promoter of the Year– D & G Promotions

Personality of the Year– Nobuntu

Service to the Arts Award– Solomon Guramatunhu

Lifetime Achievement Award– Stella Chiweshe

People’s Choice Award– Winky D

SA, UK firm launches USB rechargeable batteries, Kaset Powerbanks

A South African and UK ultimate premium and lifestyle brand for portable chargers and smartphone accessories, Charged Power launched USB rechargeable batteries and Kaset powerbanks for use by consumers.

 

The two products comes at a time when countries like Zimbabwe and South Africa are experiencing a series of power cuts. The Kaset powerbanks, Charged Power said, are intended to imitate the traditional 1980s cassette tape design.

Charged Power said USB batteries seeks to replace a number of redundant batteries that are floating the market.

Charged Power PR executive Melisa Nemhara said the launch would benefit consumers who make use of such electronic gadgets as phones, tablets, iPads and note pads.

“Our wide range of products have been developed to help you get the most out of your devices in our digitally connected world; ensuring that you are always charged up wherever you are,” Nemhara said.

“In our ever-digitising age, remaining connected is becoming especially important within the music industry. With streaming sites dominating, people are increasingly reliant on their smartphones for their musical fix.

“Compact, durable and well designed, with our style conscious customers in mind, our portable power banks are the perfect travel companion compatible with Apple, Android and many other devices. Not only will you remain connected on the move, you’ll remain connected in style.”

Nemhara said the company’s mission was to ensure its customers are always connected to their favourite artists” whether it’s through listening on their favourite platforms or on social media. With our Kaset and USB rechargeable power banks, we cater to a wide range of tastes and through collaborations allow them to represent the sounds they love daily.”

Since the launch of the Kaset power bank, some top South African artists, music venues and companies have endorsed the product.

“We have partnered with artists and organisations such as Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Judith Sephuma, Ntonkozo Mbambo, Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards and South African Music Performance Rights Association to make the Kaset power banks,” she said.

“Charged Power’s passionate about keeping people connected and music is something that connects us all. It was a natural next step.

“Merchandise is a huge part of how fans support and promote the work of their favourite artists. Our products are intended to provide smart power on the go daily. In branding with Charged Power, artists present their fans with the ability to represent their loyalty daily with a product they simply never leave without.”

Nemhara added that there has been overwhelming feedback on their products in such countries as the UK, South Africa, and the US.

“The reception to our products has been phenomenal in the UK, South Africa, and the US. The quality of our charging devices is second to none so we have received praise from a technical standpoint; as well as from our consumers that are more style-conscious and want their belongings to represent them as people.

“With an attractive array of colours to choose from, our elegant power banks have got different tastes covered! Charged Power provides a more personalised experience, allowing you to choose which capacity and style is most suited to your needs. With our dedicated technical sales support team ready to assist, choosing the right product for your device will never be a daunting task.”

USB rechargeable batteries and Kaset power banks can be ordered online here. Find more about Charged Power here https://chargedpower.co.za.

NAMA Update: Here is What You Can Expect

Event managers of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) 2020 have revealed  what the public can expect to experience at the Awards this Saturday.

 

Speaking at a press conference held Wednesday morning at their offices, Jacaranda Culture & Media Corporation, Executive producer Napoleon Nyanhi said all was set to provide an unforgettable experience at the NAMAs.

“As of today stage set up has begun at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), including the entire production equipment,lights, cameras etc,” said Napoleon.

“People can expect to experience diverse art forms, as we have managed to create value in the Awards.

The Awards events have been split into Four categories

  • Nominees Reception, taking place at Jameson Hotel on Friday evening.
  • Red Carpet – is going to be a full production on it’s on. It will happen from 7 pm – 8pm. The red carpet will also include performances. You can expect to see Asaph, Nyau  Dancers, and a drummer. There will also be a section for fans to interact with artists and have photo and autograph opportunities.
  • Pre- Show – 7 to 8pm featuring 9 acts
  • The Awards will start at exactly 8pm and will run for 3hrs 30 minutes.

 

Artist director Leonard Mapfumo also shared about the performance aspect. And below is what you can expect.

 

  • A total of 157 participants from various art disciplines will grace the stage.
  • 7 of the 9 NAMA categories will be represented in the night’s performances.
  • A total of 8 languages will be represented.
  • The hostess/Host has been kept a secret but will be revealed as part of a performance act.

Fashion Police Ahead! Samantha Tshuma speaks on NAMA Duty

Award season will officially end this Saturday with the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) capping what looks set to be an unforgettable show.

 

While the main event is to honour those that excelled in the arts in the past year, Longtime style stars and newcomers will take to the red carpet to show off their fashion imaginations.

NAMA organisers announced Samantha Tshuma and Gilmore Tee as the official NAMA Red Carpet Fashion Police.

With plenty of stylish stars descending on the HICC red carpet, this year NAMAs have promised all the ingredients of a world-class show, this of course anchored on the trust the public has in Napoleon ‘DJ Napster’ Nyanhi of Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation who are behind the 2020 edition.

Zimbuzz caught up with the Miss Zimbabwe 2010, Model and Image Consultant Samantha Tshuma from her base in Bulawayo.

Just what is red carpet wear, what should one wear to awards and what are they going to be looking for as they go about fashion policing.

She gave us all the answers.

“As fashion police, to be honest, we cannot wait to see what our creative fashion designers and fashion houses have in store for us. It’s quite exciting as our fashion industry has grown over the years,” enthused Samantha.

She explained why the red carpet is such an important part of any Awards ceremony.

“The red carpet is very important as this is why it has a red carpet and this means high profile dressing. Also an important product placement area for fashion designers,” she said.

As the Miss Bulawayo 2009, Miss Tourism 2010 and Miss World Zimbabwe 2010 she must have clocked some serious red carpet time in her illustrious fashion career, and she rightfully had a word or two of advice.

“Ladies should wear longer full-Length dresses, you can never go wrong with sequin for a red carpet look, always does the trick. Men should wear suits, but not necessarily jackets and ties,” she said.

A family that slays together…Samantha Tshuma with her babies

And for those not sure what to put on she got you too.

“I think keep it simple don’t over complicate it especially if fashion is just not your thing, black/reds /whites sometimes they tend to be forgiving colours and one thing that’s important is to choose a silhouette that fits your body type,” added the Bulawayo beauty.

For the fashion addicts, she shared her thoughts on what she thinks are the trends this fashion season.

“With a season drawing heavily on androgynous silhouettes, the tuxedo is making a comeback, this time undergoing a couture renaissance with chic sleeve detailing, sculpted shoulders and sequins,” she said.

But again we are a people that love looking good and our fashion police agree that over the years, red carpet looks have been nothing but pleasing.

“Over the years, it has been getting better and better, amazing actually, Zimbabweans definitely know how to dress up for such events. Quite astonishing,” she expressed.

And she, of course, she had to give us a parting a shot, and it was one from a fashion guru who has seen it all.

“Don’t try to dress for the body you want or the body you used to have. Dress for the body you have right now.”

MTV Shuga back on Zim Screens and Local Radio

The HIV/AIDS awareness drama series, MTV Shuga is back in your local cinemas, universities and local radio stations.

 

Back in 2017 and 2018, Gilmore Tee and Paper Bag Africa, partnered with MTV Shuga in facilitating for FREE Screenings at Ster Kinekor, this saw a lot of young people heading to the cinema to watch the first season of MTV Shuga Down South, a series filmed in South Africa, showing different ways of how young people are getting exposed to HIV/AIDS.

The team is back with the partnership this year, which will see the free screenings at Ster Kinekor Bulawayo, National University of Science and Technology and the radio version playing on Skyz Metro FM and Heart & Soul.

“We are extremely excited to be working on this initiative again. This year we want as many young people to be reached by the drama series, hence we have added University screenings every Friday for the next 3 weeks, in both Bulawayo and Harare. These screenings are for Free, with free refreshments being provided too,” said Gilmore Tee.

Just like in the previous years, MTV Shuga Down South season 2 will be screened for free at Ster Kinekor Cinemas every Saturday from 10:30 am.

Additionally, the radio version of the series will be aired every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on both Heart n Soul and Skyz Metro FM, starting this week.

On Skyz Metro FM, the radio version will play at 4:20 pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while it plays at 11 am on Heart and Soul. More university venues will be announced soon.

“We want young people to be aware of HIV/AIDS issues, Gender-Based Violence, Drug abuse and partake in solving these issues through the information captured on MTV Shuga Down South. The television series is very informative and creates a lot of awareness.”

Ultimate Love: Six Couples Nominated For Possible Eviction

A total of six couples are up for nomination in Ultimate Love, Nigeria’s first romance-orientated reality television show.

 

The couples as announced by the show’s hosts, Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Oluwaseun Olaniyan, are Chivia (Chiddy Bankz and Sylvia), Jeriton (Jerry and Meriton), PreshDavid (Presh Talker and David Wilson),

ObiEbi (Obichukwu and Ebiteinye), IykeResa (Iyke and Theresa) and MiCherry(Michael and Cherry).

The couples were put up for possible eviction after they were nominated by their fellow Love Guests during the live nomination show on Sunday.

Chivia and Jeriton led the pack with five nominations respectively, PreshDavid have four nominations, ObiEbi got three nominations while IykeResa and MiCherry acquired two nominations respectively.

However, Aunty has the power to save one of the couples from possible eviction and the couple will be saved after performing a task as chosen by her. The couple selected for the task is Chivia and Jeriton.

The couples with the least number of votes will be evicted during the live check-out show next Sunday.

Earlier during the live show, the Love Guests confirmed their partners for the rest of the season as the show’s Aunty (the show’s governess), Adesuwa Onyenokwe, had informed them during the previous week that there would be no more swaps after Sunday.

Most of the couples remained unchanged except for Sylvia who swapped Jerry for newbie Chiddy Bankz, while Jerry went for the new Love Guest Meriton.

Chris, who was without a partner, also paired up with a new love guest, ChrisVille.

Voting will start on Tuesday at 19:00 CAT and will close on Thursday at 21:00 CAT. Voting can be done via the Africa Magic website- https://africamagic.dstv.com/show/ultimate-love/vote and DStv and GOtv Apps.

Fans of the show will find out which of the love guests will emerge as the ultimate couple and claim the grand prize totaling N5 million, a lavish traditional wedding and a dream home, only by staying tuned to DStv channel 198.

Ultimate Love is live 24/7 on DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus, DStv Compact, (Access and Family packages on channel 198.

Berita Teams Up With The Talented Amanda Black For Siyathandana

The anticipation for Songs in The Key of Love, Berita’s 4th studio album, has reached fever pitch and today she teased fans with her first collaborative effort from the album featuring Amanda Black.

 

The soul sisters whose careers both started in East London and where they were neighbours for many years are now giving their fans what they’ve been asking for.

A work of heart, “Siyathandana,” is a song about love that weathers the changing season that defines the passage of time.

It’s the last song on the 13-track Songs in The Key of Love which is due for worldwide release at the end of the month of love, this coming Friday the 28th of February.

She released Jikizinto on Valentine’s Day and has now completed her most successful release week on streaming platforms YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Simfy Africa.

Her album pre-order is the top-charting pre-release on the South African iTunes chart.

This week her single peaked at #11 on the South Africa RAMS (Radio Audience Measurement) chart with 22-million impressions between the 14th and the 20th of this month.

If her singles are anything to go by then “SITKOL” promises to be one of the hottest albums of 2020.

She recently released the album tracklist and revealed her co-collaborators on the project for the first time recently and now that we have had a taste of what’s to come with Siyathandana featuring Amanda Black, we now can’t wait to hear her joining voices with Micasa trumpeter Mo-T and her fellow Bulawayo native Bekezela whose self-titled single is still a hit in the new decade.

One thing Berita’s peers have come to respect is the businesswoman’s phenomenal work ethic and professionalism.

The Assali Music boss keeps a very busy schedule and it’s surprising to hear, through her music, that she has the time to live life, find love and still put into song what we mere mortals struggle to put in words.

You can tell by the amount of work she put into promoting her album that it’s a passion project and that she has put her whole heart into it.

Treat your first like your last, the saying goes and judging by the buzz created by her Assali Music team, she’s taken to label ownership like an old hand.

A woman is at the wheel and the results are already starting to show and the countdown to the album begins now.

Her fans around the world have taken social media to express their impatience and by the sounds of things, it’ll be worth in the end.

Hip-Hop Dominates 2020 Star FM Music Awards

Hip-hop’s streaming dominance was amplified at the previously held 2020 Star FM Music Awards.

 

The genre was the toast of the party in 2019 and looks set to continue even beyond 2020.

Hip Hop bagged The Best Male Artist Award which went to Ti Gonz, The Best Newcomer award Ishan featuring Ti Gonz for Kure, The Best Hip-hop Song Award  Takura for Noise,

The Best Collaboration award was won by Kure, Ishan featuring Ti Gonz, The Album of the Year award was taken by King 98 for Francesca, which he named after his mother, whilst the Most played song on Star FM and the Song of the Year award was Kure by Ishan featuring Ti Gonz.

Fun Facts

Zim Hip Hop Awards Best Male – Ti Gonzi

Star FM Music Awards Best Male – Ti Gonzi

Zim Hip Hop Awards Best Album – King 98 – Francesca

Star FM Music Awards Best Album – King 98 – Francesca

Zim Hip Hop Awards Song of the Year – Kure by Ishan featuring Ti Gonz

Star FM Music Awards Song of the Year – Kure by Ishan featuring Ti Gonz

Meanwhile, Dancehall sensation Nutty O won Best Dancehall song for Vroom, Nutty O also gave an energetic opening act, even with the limitations of a small stage he used his experience gained over a period of consistent performances to entertain the crowd.

Nutty O beat Seh Calaz and Mambo whose song Reurura was the Number one on the 2019 Zimdancehall charts.

“We are going to the Grammy’s that’s the Journey, we begin here,” said Nutty O as he accepted his award.

Big winners Ishan and Ti Gonzi gave a big second act performance. The two just looked great together. It was like listening and watching them re-creating the magic that is Kure.

Another great performance came courtesy of gospel break out artist Jonah Chivasa who despite his performance coming after he just lost the Best Gospel award to Janet Manyowa,he summoned the praise in him to belt out the best out of his collabo Ndozvinoita Nyasha with Chelsea.

It was another Janet Manyowa dominance once again as she scooped the Best Gospel Song for Ndimi as well as Best Female.

She won the same Awards in the same competition in 2019.

There were murmurs in the crowd as well as social media outcry as favourite Tamy lost out again in as many awards.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Alick Macheso.

Here is the complete list of the Star FM Music Awards 2020 Winners

The Best African Pop Song Award Ishan Featuring Ti Gonz – Kure

The Best Zimdancehall Song Award Nutty O – Vroom

The Best Hip-hop Song Award Takura – Noise

The Best RnB Song Award Hilzy, Gary Mapanzure – TV Room

The Best House Song Award DJ Stavo Featuring Gemma – Bad News

The Best Song by Zimbabwean in the Diaspora Award Norman Masamba – Chihera

The Best Gospel Song award Janet Manyowa – Ndimi

The Best Newcomer award Ishan featuring Ti Gonz – Kure

The Best Female Artist award Janet Manyowa

The Best Male Artist Award Ti Gonz

The Best Duo/Group Award Ngoma Ingoma – Malobolo

The Best Collaboration award Ishan featuring T Gonz – Kure

The Best Producer award Simplex

The Album of the Year award King 98 – Francesca

Lifetime Achievement – Alick Macheso

Most played on Star FM – Ishan featuring T Gonz – Kure

People’s Choice – Ngaibake – Freeman ft Alick Macheso

The Song of the Year award Ishan featuring Ti Gonz – Kure

Star FM Music Awards Moves to smaller Venue, gives update on Winners

Organisers of the second edition of the 2020 Star FM Music Awards have announced that the awards will now be held at Jays Steak House on the same date of the 22nd Of February 2020.

 

Initially, the Awards were supposed to be held at Manna Resorts in Glen Lorne, Harare.

“We have converted the awards ceremony into a live radio event that will also be streamed live on our social media platforms,” Comfort Mbofana from the Zimpapers Radio Broadcasting Division said.

“We have followers on Star FM social media platforms that number over 350 thousand people and in the interests of ‘taking the awards to the people’ we have decided to utilise these platforms and also our considerable (terrestrial and digital radio) reach,” he said.

Jay’s Steak House is situated in Harare’s Avondale suburb.

The live radio event/awards are scheduled to go on air at 630pm and will have attendees by invitation-only.

Meanwhile, the second level of adjudication for the Awards has now been completed.

“We provide assurance that the tallies were reasonably accurate. The process was free from any bias or influence from external parties,” said Philemon Mangena CA a registered auditor with Cardinal Chartered Accounting.

There was a total of 1321 entries for this year’s awards in the different categories and the winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony this Saturday

NAMA Now open to the Public for the first time in 5 years

The 19th National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) to be held at the Harare International Conference Centre on February 29 will be open to the public for the first time in over 5 years.

 

The ceremony has been running on an invite-only basis and the new team running the Awards have changed that system.

Ordinary tickets have been pegged at RTGS $200 and VIP tickets costRTGS $500. For more information and bookings, members of the public are advised to visit www.clickandpay.africa or any MyCash kiosk countrywide.

The awards will feature amazing pre-show and main show performances from some of Zimbabwe’s biggest artists including Gemma Griffiths, Freeman, Alick Macheso, TiGonzi, Asaph, Vabati VaJehovha, Jah Prayzah, resident band Those Guys Vacho and many more.