Hip-hop awards open – NewsDay Zimbabwe

BY SHARON SIBINDI

The ORGANIZERS of the Pogues Zimbabwe Hip-Hop Awards (ZHHA) have opened applications for the 11th annual awards ceremony scheduled for December 11.

In a statement, director of awards Aldrian “Beefy” Harrison said the submission of nominations, which opened last week via their website, as physical centers have yet to be announced, would end on the 1st. November.

The selection will then take place from November 2 to 10 and the nominees will be announced on November 12.

“The Zimbabwe Hip-Hop Awards (ZHHA) are back to celebrate the 11th anniversary. The rewards will take place virtually or conventionally depending on COVID-19 regulations at the time of production, ”Harrison said.

“As the leading authority on Zimbabwe’s hip-hop culture and Africa’s first and prestigious hip-hop awards, our mission is to use elements of popular youth culture and media to inspire, motivate and empower youth music by recognizing and celebrating local artists. in their respective genres.

Beefy said they continue to grow as they gain regional and international recognition from various media houses and artists.

“Our main sponsor, The Pogues Whiskey, is back for a second year in a row. Their support will help produce a quality awards ceremony. It is also a pleasure to announce an addition to the executive, our new COO Bekithemba Sibanda, also known as Thorne Laroq, ”he said.

“His contribution to the brand will shape, sculpt and unite the hip-hop industry. He has years of experience in the genre not only as an artist, but as a promoter and leader.

Beefy said they were also excited to partner with Tunecore, the world’s leading distributor of music for independent artists which was formed earlier in the year.

“Distribution has been a major challenge for artists around the world. As the Zim Hip-Hop Awards, we value the growth, education and success of our Zimbabwean artists, hence our partnership with Tunecore, a one-stop-shop for independent artists, ”he said.

“With the click of a link, an artist’s music can be distributed to over 150 digital music stores and streaming services in over 100 countries around the world and they can keep 100% of their sales. “

Beefy said the awards would pay tribute to musical excellence and creativity, offering a high-level and multi-faceted celebration of the rich cultural diversity of Zimbabwean hip-hop music.

“The winners will receive a plaque, a representation of the highest achievement in Zimbabwean hip-hop. Having reached this stage, the awards will continue to celebrate the hip-hop industry’s 11th year of glitz and glamor achievement despite the challenges of COVID-19, ”he said.

The list of award categories is Best Man, Best Woman, Best Collaboration, Best Hip-Hop Group, Best Producer, Best Newcomer, Best Brand Supporting Local Hip-Hop, Best Album, best promoter, best diaspora, best radio DJ, best club DJ, best gospel, best dance number, best underground, best alternative, best online media, best journalist, song of the year, video of the Year and Video Director of the Year, Best Hip-Hop Hustle, Best Hip-Hop Verse (Sweet 16 Award), Hip-Hop Personality of the Year and Audience Choice.

Follow Sharon on Twitter @SibindiSharon