Mudiwa of Ndaita Mari fame, Ndirwo Rudo hitmaker Pah Chihera, Guspy Warrior, Blessing Shumba, Nox, Martin & Ndolwane, Dudu Manhenga, Jeys Marabini, Agartha Murudzwa, Joyce Semeti, Iyasa and a host of other notable names are not on the list.
Fans had no kind words for the ZIMA organisers over the exclusions of one of the country’s greatest music living legends, lyricist Leonard Zhakata.
“Why the hate for Zhakata? To hell with your silly awards. Why do you suppress talent? This is complete nonsense, you must scrap your useless awards,” fumed an irate Zhakata fan, Exaltance Mukanhairi.
“What a shocker… Zhakata hapana sei? (Why is Zhakata not nominated?)” Innocent Nherera asked. Others have dismissed the return of the ZIMA awards, last held in 2011, for failing to consider the Mhai hitmaker, Tocky Vibes.
ZIMA responded that both Zhakata and Tocky had not submitted their work for nomination and urged fans to vote for them for the Song of the Year award.
Questions were also asked about why Jah Prayzah, a contemporary artist, was nominated in the Best Traditional Music category. Mokoomba, Zimbabwe’s internationally acclaimed group was not nominated in the Best Duo/Group category and albums from one group, UFI Choir, were nominated in the same category.
The organisers were also criticised for failing to nominate Kwekwe-based DJ Stavo in the Best House Music category at a time when several of his house tracks are receiving heavy rotation on Channel O and MTV Base.
Post published in: Entertainment