Nominees revealed for 2016 Zim-Dancehall Awards

Dominating the nominations is Mbare-based Killer T (real name Kelvin Kusikwenyu) with seven nominations. He is closely followed by Winky D (Wallace Chirimuko), who recently picked up two awards at the NAMAs. The two artists will fight it out in a number of categories: Best Male Artist, Best Collaboration, Song of the Year, Best Social Message and Best Album. Their respective managers, Brian Murukutira (DJ Bima) and Jonathan Banda will be honoured with special Excellence in Management Awards.

Also in the running with six nominations apiece are Seh Calaz and Soul Jah Love. Other artists who have to make do with fewer nominations include Ras Caleb (4), Freeman (2), last year’s big winner Tocky Vibes (2), Guspy Warrior (1) and Sniper Storm (1), among many others. The nominations are based on material released between 1 January and 31 Decemeber 2015.

Speaking at a recent press conference, organizer Phineas Mushayi said: “We are happy to see that the genre keeps growing and the dancehall stars are grossing a lot of income from their craft to sustain themselves and their families. So far preparations are at an advanced stage. We have released the nominations which will see a panel of adjudicators deciding on the winners, apart from some categories which need public voting.”

The full list of 2016 nominees is as follows:

Best Artist 2016 (Male)

• Seh Calaz
• Killer T
• Winky D
• Soul Jah Love

Best Artist 2016 (Female)

• Lady Squanda
• Ninja Lipsy
• Bounty Lisa
• Daruler
• Juwela

Best Collaboration

• Killer T & Fungisai – ‘Vanondibatirana’
• Kinnah & Terminator – ‘Nhamo’
• Soul Jah Love & Ryder Marcus – ‘Takatsika Chepakati’
• Winky D & Shinsoman- ‘Survivor’
• Jerry B & Princo – ‘Ramba Uchidaira’

Best Vocalist

• Maggikal
• Seh Calaz
• Celcious
• Ras Caleb
• Daruler

Song of the Year

• Winky D – ‘Disappear’
• Killer T – ‘Kufambofarawo Kani’
• Seh Calaz – ‘Madhudhucha’
• Jah Bless – ‘Ndouya Ikoko’

Best Social Message

• Grinder – ‘Manhungetunge’
• Seh Calaz – ‘Usamurove’
• Killer T – ‘Chikorobho’
• Tocky Vibes – ‘Pamuromo’
• Winky D & Shinsoman – ‘Survivor’
• Soul Jah Love – ‘Usanete’

Best Live Performer

• Kinnah
• Dhadza D
• Soul Jah Love
• Hwindi President

Best Zim-Dancehall Youngster

• Spider
• Bobo Fire
• Genius
• Missile
• Josta

Most Promising Artist

• Dobba Don
• Hwindi President
• Nutty O
• Empress Massina
• Sissy

Best Album

• Seh Calaz – Banditi Rebirth
• Killer T – Ngoma Ndaimba
• Winky D – Gafa Life
• Terminator – Rwendo Rwehupenyu
• Ras Caleb – Rascal’s Manuscript

Best Dancehall Dance Group

• Flying Angels
• Ghetto Creepers
• Flying Legends
• Desert Fox
• Conquering Family

Best Conscious Song

• Jah Bless – ‘Rasta ndiRasta’
• Ras Caleb – ‘Boko Haram’
• Celcious – ‘Chiedza’
• G Brandon – ‘Sahwira’
• Seh Calaz – ‘Amai’
• Killer T – ‘Kumanikidzira Rudo’

Riddim of the Year

• Oskid – ‘50 Calibre’
• Rodney–PTK and Levels – ‘Werras’
• JMP and T Man – ‘Number One’
• Fidel – ‘Cynosure’
• Sam Chris – ‘Zim Talent’

Best Conscious Riddim

• Rodney – ‘Werras Journey’
• Chillspot – ‘My Boo’
• Oskid – ‘Passion’
• T Man – ’Silent Killer 3’
• CashLibs – ‘Dejavu’

Producer of the Year

• T Man
• Sam Chris
• Levels
• Oskid
• PTK
• JMP

Zim-Dancehall Ambassador

• Soul Jah Love
• Killer T
• Tocky Vibes
• Freeman
• Guspy Warrior

Best Video

• Bounty Lisa – ‘Musandidaro’
• Labash – ‘Zvakumberi’
• Freeman – ‘Happy Time’
• Winky D – ‘Chiramu/I Cry Medley’
• Sniper Storm  - ‘Anondifonera’
• Ziontaks – ‘Ladies Edition’

Best Club Hit Song

• Dobha Don – ‘Mudendere’
• Soul Jah Love - 'Magetsi’
• Hwindi President – ‘Tambirai Monarch’
• Mberi – ‘Ricky Fire’

Most Improved Artist

• Ras Caleb
• Mostaff
• Kabidha
• Rebel
• G Brandon

HONORARY AWARDS

Excellence in Management Award

• Brian Murukutira ( DJ Bima) – Killer T management
• Jonathan Banda – Winky D management

Graphics Excellence

• Sxool of Thots

Radio Creativity Award

• Star FM Zim-dancehall vs Sungura

Promotion and Mentorship Award

• Simbarashe Chakare (Bodyslam)
• Kenako Media
• Red Fox

Diaspora Promotion and Marketing

• Digital One
• King Alfred
• Paul Simple
• Ta International
• Propa Bless
• Abra Simz

For updates and more details, keep an eye on the Zim-Dancehall Awards Facebook page.