Amidst Harare’s shimmering night sky, the 13th edition of the Zim Hip Hop Awards unfolded on December 15th, weaving triumph, intrigue, and unspoken whispers. Holy Ten rose as the undisputed king, claiming three glistening gongs, yet a faint sense of disquiet lingered, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste.
The night belonged to collaboration. “Amaihwe” by OCD, a banger in the streets , snatched the Best Collaboration trophy. Malcolm Mufunde and Synik’s introspective “Treasure” claimed Best Album, and Voltz JT‘s socially conscious voice earned him the Positive Social Impact Award. Yet, a glaring absence hung heavy in the air – superstar Saint Floew’s name conspicuously absent from the winners’ list. The Zim Hip Hop Awards account had delicately explained his “request to be removed from the nominees list,” but the void his absence left remained palpable.
Questions also buzzed about the venue choice. Nestled away from the city’s heart, the awards clashed with a kaleidoscope of festive events, prompting whispers about its accessibility and timing. Some argued that a later start and a downtown location would have drawn a larger, more vibrant crowd.
Despite these shadows, the night pulsed with raw talent and boundless energy. Young Gemini, a force to be reckoned with, took home Best Female, while Kayflow, a burgeoning star who gave one of the best performances in the history of the awards, was crowned Best Newcomer. Munetsi, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, but l do believe they are worthier people who deserve this award for most of us Munetsi is dope rapper, but he hasn’t had a culture shift moment or a viral song that random people who aren’t fans of hip hop can pick.
Other winners painted the night with diverse colors: Leon Mwana WaJoze for Best Gospel Act, Yaad Universe for Best Journalist, Club Danger for Best Brand Supporting Hip Hop, Mlue Jay for Best Diaspora, Sqatta Capitalk for Best Radio DJ, DJ Iroq for Best Club DJ, Dough Major & Dingo Duke for Best Hip Hop Group, Malcolm Mufunde for Best Verse Sweet 16, and Voltz JT & Blue Modecai for Best Video Director.
As the final beats faded and the awards were clutched, the 2023 Zim Hip Hop Awards left a complex feeling lingering in its wake. While Holy Ten’s brilliance shone undeniable, the unanswered questions and absent luminaries painted a backdrop of intrigue. This bittersweet symphony, however, underscored the Zimbabwean hip hop scene’s vibrancy and resilience. Navigating internal complexities and external challenges, it continues to evolve, promising an even more captivating performance in the chapters to come. The questions raised may remain unanswered, but their echoes hold the potential to guide the scene towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
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