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Jah Prayzah

Melissa Mpofu/Simbarashe Mutizwa
ARTISTES who were nominated and billed to perform at the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) have supported organisers of the event for their decision to postpone the awards ceremony.
The ceremony to honour musical excellence which was scheduled to take place tomorrow in Harare was moved to October 29 after organisers said they needed more time to prepare as they wanted to deliver a world-class ceremony.

“The Zima organising committee decided that in order to deliver the world-class event that we have promised to our artistes and to the public in general, it was important for us to move the event to allow us enough time to prepare fully.

“From the beginning we said Zima would put together an event of international standards and we will not compromise on that guarantee,” read a statement issued by award organisers yesterday.

They said all nominees have been notified on the postponement and have appreciated the decision.

“At this time,” the Zima statement added, “we would like to express our most sincere apologies to the artistes, performers and all stakeholders for any inconvenience resulting from this postponement.”

Contemporary musician Jah Prayzah who was nominated in four Zima categories and was also billed to perform tomorrow said he was glad the awards had not been cancelled completely.

“The organisers were likely under tremendous pressure hence their decision to postpone the event. I am happy they are not cancelling the event, but just moving it to a later date.

“I understand their decision and am fully behind them because I have also had to cancel some of my shows in the past due to logistical challenges,” he said.

Djembe Monks who were also nominated and were meant to perform said they had accepted Zima’s decision to postpone the event as it would also give them time to perfect their act.

“The decision by Zima organisers will also give us more time to polish our act. People should bear with them and give them time to prepare so that when we get there, everything will be in order,” Djembe Monks group member, Emmanuel Nkomo said.

One of the presenters and fashion police of the awards ceremony, Mbo Mahocs was elated by the news of the postponement as she was not fully prepared for the event.

“It’s not much of an issue that they have moved the show. To me it’s a good thing as I have been given time to decide on what I will wear.

“This is a big event and I believe that whatever made them cancel the show is beyond their control,” said the fashionista. Those who had purchased tickets to the awards ceremony have been urged to hold on to them as they will still be valid when the ceremony takes place later this month.

The tickets will still be valid and can be purchased from any Zimticket outlets at Chicken Inn or Talkcity.

Organisers assured music lovers that despite the postponement, the awards ceremony would definitely take place and would be the entertainment event of the year.

The Zima make a comeback this year after a 7-year hiatus.