Open call: 2026 Zim Hip Hop Awards

The awards recognise artists and other professionals contributing to Zimbabwe's hip hop industry, including producers, DJs, journalists, promoters, dancers and other creative practitioners.

The eligibility period covers music and music videos commercially released in Zimbabwe between 1 November 2025 and 31 October 2026.

Eligibility

• Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be Zimbabwean or make a primary contribution to Zimbabwe's hip hop industry.
• Submit work officially released during the eligibility period.
• Ensure submitted music complies with Zimbabwean copyright laws.
• Ensure recordings are commercially available through recognised platforms or officially distributed.
• Collaborations are eligible where at least one principal contributor meets the eligibility requirements.

Entries can be submitted by artists, managers, labels, distributors, producers or other authorised representatives. ZHHA may request supporting documentation where necessary.

Categories

The judged categories include:

• Best Male
• Best Female
• Best Collaboration
• Best Hip Hop Group
• Best Producer
• Best Newcomer
• Best Brand Supporting Hip Hop
• Best Album
• Best Promoter
• Best Diaspora
• Best Dance Act
• Best Radio DJ
• Best Club and Event DJ
• Best Gospel Act
• Best Underground
• Best Alternative
• Planet Dodger Online Media
• Best Journalist
• Best Video
• Best Video Director of the Year
• Best Live Act
• Best Hip Hop Hustle
• Best Hip Hop Verse – Sweet 16
• Spoken Word (Poetry)
• Positive Social Impact Award

The fan-voted categories are Song of the Year, Hip Hop Personality of the Year and People's Choice. These awards will be determined through public voting, subject to independent auditing.

ZHHA also presents honorary awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is conferred by the ZHHA Executive Committee and is not open to public nomination.

A screening committee will verify eligibility, determine category placement and remove duplicate or non-compliant submissions. The committee will not select the winners.

According to the awards' rules, judging is conducted independently and confidentially using the published judging criteria.

The ZHHA says its broader objectives are to recognise excellence, encourage innovation, preserve Zimbabwean hip hop culture and create sustainable opportunities for creatives.

Applications: 21 September to 31 October 2026

Eligibility period: 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026

Submission portal: Zim Hip Hop Awards nomination portal