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Sukoluhle Ndlovu Midlands Correspondent
Artistes from the Midlands province are crying foul over the Midlands Music Awards (MMA) nominees claiming that the selection process was flawed.

The nominees were revealed this week ahead of the awards ceremony in Gweru next month.

Some artists questioned how artistes from Bulawayo had made it on the list with some wanting to know the criteria used by awards organisers in coming up with the nominees.

“The nominees’ selection is flawed. There’re some artists who don’t deserve to be on that list.

‘‘For example, DJ Tamuka is one of the best producers and DJs from the Midlands and the country as a whole, but his name isn’t on the list,” said DJ Phats (real name Tariro Mhundwa).

“These awards are just a circus. How did Guluva 7 make it onto the list yet he’s from Bulawayo?” questioned an artiste who preferred anonymity.

Another Gweru artiste Social Siwawa who is an MC said the list was an insult to the Midlands province as not much research was done.

“I feel these guys were sitting in the offices and never bothered to go on the ground. In some categories like ‘Best house music’ and ‘Best reggae/Chigiyo’ there’s only one nominee. Are they trying to say there’s only one person who does that kind of music in the entire province,?” asked Siwawa.

MMA organiser, Mavis Koslek however dismissed the artistes’ complaints saying it was a case of sour grapes since most of those complaining were not nominated.

“It’s obvious that those who’re complaining didn’t make it to the nominees list. We only work on submitted material and those that didn’t submit material can’t expect to be nominated,” Koslek said.

On Guluva 7, Koslek said the Bulawayo-based artiste had been included as he is from Torwood, Redcliff.