Mathew Masinge
RED hot entertainer Master H’s hard work seems to be paying off after the rising chanter was nominated eight times for the inaugural Zimbabwe Reggae and Dancehall Merit Awards (ZRDMA).
The awards are a brainchild of blogger and cultural critic Blessing Jena through Havok, an online entertainment site.
Master H has been nominated for Outstanding Male Act, Outstanding Music Video, Outstanding Music Video Reggae, Outstanding Single, Song of the Year, Best Dancehall Verse, Best Dancehall Act and Outstanding Stage Act.
Other artists topping the nomination list include Winky D (6), Freeman (5), Killer T (5), Silent Killer (3), Nutty O (3) and Jah Master (2).
Organisers have included 11 categories and three honourary awards for Lifetime Achievement, Legendary Status Award and Best Charity Organisation.
One of the categories, The Soul Jah Love Lyricist Award, will see the recent rivalry between Silent Killer and Blot taking centre stage.
Enzo Ishall and Nicky Vibes have also been nominated in the same category but it is Silent Killer and Blot who have excited fans who have already started voting via a WhatsApp platform.
Nisha Ts and Mandy Ahwee have been nominated for the Best Upcoming Act.
Rising artist’s manager Elton Jeru aka Edza B who is behind Jah Master’s brand, has been nominated for Best Artist Management alongside.
He is up against Wink D’s manager Yusuf Banda, Mponda Sugar (Master H’s manager), Kudzai Biston (Killer T’s manager and Diana Nheera (Nutty O’s manager).
The young manager feels honoured to be included among the country’s top artist managers.
“It’s an honour for me and I am looking forward to the category.
“I know I am up against some of the best artists managers in the country and for me to be included there means a lot.
“I have managed to do a number of things with Jah Master and this shows our efforts are being recognized,” said Edza B.
Edza B has to date managed a number of artists including Poptain, Bazooker, Boss Pumacol, Ndunge Yut, Khonangale, Lady Banks, Boi Shona and T Flexx Mukanya.
He has also announced the arrival of Jah Master’s new album later this month.
The ZRDMA awards are aimed at honouring artists who have excelled in their endeavours within the country’s reggae and dancehall genre.