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Mthabisi Tshuma – [email protected]

Preparations for the inaugural Zimbabwe Gospel Music Awards (ZGMA) are in full swing, with the event scheduled for December 8, 2024, at Casino Marina, Longchen Plaza in Harare.

Fungisai

The ZGMA initiative stems from the Zimbabwe South Africa Gospel Music Awards (ZIMSA Awards), which ran from 2019 to 2022, recognising Zimbabwean gospel artistes based in South Africa.

Co-founded by Lee Chitsungo and Sam Koroni, ZIMSA inspired the creation of LC Arts Organisation, which now brings the awards home to Zimbabwe.

Dorcas Moyo

ZGMA public relations officer Thabani Nyathi shared the vision behind the initiative.
“Building on the success of ZIMSA, LC Arts Organisation and the ZGMA directors aim to empower Zimbabwean gospel artistes by recognising their talent and fostering creativity. Our mission is threefold: to honour outstanding gospel music talent, promote industry growth, and ensure Zimbabwean gospel music gains global recognition,” said Nyathi.

The awards feature 10 competitive categories with 71 nominees, covering work produced from August 2023 to August 2024. An additional Legendary Award will be announced on the day of the event.

Below is a list of the nominees:

Best Song
Admire Nago – Torai Moyo
Rumbie Zvirikuzhe –
Zvoramba Sei Apa?
Mambo Dhutere – Mupeiwo Mukana
Roe Makawa – Check Your Balance
Leberty Phiri – Jesu Vauya
Purple Pride Family – Overflow
Minister Thandazani – Tauya Kuzokusumai Nyaya
Ziggie The Crusader – Nditongerei Nhau Yangu
Ruth Chiyevo – Kumbira
Collen Chimuka – Zvakadaro
Pastor Barak – No Hunger
Nyasha Mutonhori – Makatendeka
Prince Chigwida – Matsimba
Peace Gospel Choir – Anerudo
Tafara Vandirai – Zita RaJesu
Dorcas Moyo – Ndinokutungamirira
Minister Michael Mahendere – Tangai Neni

Best Newcomer
Minenhle Dube
Emm Jubal
Pastor Tee
Prince Chigwida
Rhoda January
Nomsa B Chigu
Ruth Chiyevo
Nicholas Chirunga
Sithobekile Madenda
Malvern Mavhimira
Caleb Simango
Collen Chimuka

Best video
Dorcas Moyo – Zvotoparadzana
Caleb Simango – Moses Rova Mvura
Ruth Chiyevo – Kumbira
Fungisai Mashavave – Ndakatengwa Neropa RaJesu
Prince Chigwida – Matsimba
Roe Makawa – Yahweh
Mathias Mhere – Hatigoni Kutenda Mwari
Purple Pride Family – Overflow

Best Group/Duo
Christian Movement
Vocality Acapela
NU BIRTH
Purple Pride Family
Peace Gospel Choir.

Best Female category
Roe Makawa
Fungisai Mashavave
Rumbie Zvirikuzhe
Bethen Pasinawako
Dorcas Moyo
Patience Mbando

Best Producer
Kuda Bhanda of KB Studios
Olin Anderson of Kunashe Studios
Gibson Makumbe of Makumbe Productions
Lyton Ngolomi and Lucky Kaparautsi of Joy Of Life Studios

Best Videographer
Zorodzai Chibuwe
Mr Hasty (Rocklife)
Brighton Magaya (Laktam Studios)
Tamuka Mapembure (Naxo Films)

Best Male
Diva Size
Mambo Dhutere
Minister Michael Mahendere
Mathias Mhere

Best Collaboration category
Roe Makawa – Check Your Balance. (Ft. Tendai Chazika),
Fungisai Mashavave – Vana Vapera. (Ft. Silent Killer)
Rumbie Zvirikuzhe – Mweya Wangu. (Ft. Apostle Paul Sambo)

Best Album
Fungisai Mashavave – Hupenyu
Minister Thandazani – Tauya Kuzokusumai Nyaya
Roe Makawa – Ngilonde
Bethen Pasinawako – Paita Nyasha
Rumbie Zvirikuzhe – Zvoramba Sei Apa?