H-Metro
Entertainment Reporter
THE 2023 edition of the Zimbabwe Music Awards will be held on June 3, ending weeks of speculation.
The Zimas are usually held in February or March.
But, this year’s edition will be held in winter under the theme “Re-Imagining The Industry”. Outlining their 2023 road map, Zima executive, Fungai “Kush” Zvirahwa said they were ready to make the event big.
“As we support the global integration into online and digital spaces for our music, the future of a Zimbabwean sound is in that universe.
“We strive towards an African renaissance and genuine renewal in the Zimbabwean arts sector and we acknowledge the significance of transformative innovation in our music sector,” he said. Kush urged musicians to be firm despite the challenges they might face. It is time to celebrate with the rest of the world and consciously put our sound in the forefront.
“As we embrace the best forms of entertainment via digital media, we are in dire danger of ignoring our own proud heritage.
“We now need to re-imagine the best of both worlds and to draw on the rich heritage, wisdom and experience that is so closely bound to the very industry we hope to transform. ZIMA23 will help us acknowledge the advantages of drawing our rich music heritage into the ongoing re-imagining process.”
Kush said the ZIMAs will celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements of Zimbabwean musicians, artists, and industry professionals who showed exceptional talent in their respective fields last year.
The adjudication process will start on April 17 with the event set to be held on June 3 at 7 Arts Theatre.
“This year we have 25 categories and will be taking submissions for 24 of those with one being a special award, The Lifetime Achievement Award, which does not require any submissions,” she said.
Below are the categories for this year’s edition
1. Song of the Year
2. Best Female Artist of the Year
3. Best Male Artist of the Year
4. Best Group/Duo of the Year
5. Best Newcomer of the Year
6. Best Album of the Year
7. Best Zimdancehall
8. Best Sungura
9. Best Afropop / Afrofusion
10. Best Hip Hop
11. Best Collaboration
12. Best Contemporary Gospel
13. Best Traditional Gospel
14. Best RnB & Soul
15. Best Jazz
16. Best Dance (House, Amapiano, Kwaito, EDM)
17. Best Tshibilika
18. Best Traditional (Chinyakare, Chimurenga)
19. Best Traditional (Folk, Ezomdabu, Imbube)
20. Best Alternative
21. Producer of the year
22. Best Music Video
23. Best Videographer
24. Best Diaspora Artist
25. Lifetime Achievement
