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Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
BULAWAYO-born singer, songwriter, and actress Thandolwethu Emily Nomvula Sikwila has been nominated for the Music Victoria Awards in Australia where she is based.

The Music Victoria Awards (previously known as The Age Music Victoria Awards) are an annual fixture meant to celebrate Victorian music.

The nominees, released earlier this month were generated by a team of over 200 judges from Australian radio, music peak bodies, and festivals, with awards to be handed out next month on a date to be announced. Awards voted on by the public, including Best Album, Best Song, and Best Group, are to be announced.

Thando, who made an international mark earlier this year after gaining a podium finish at The Voice Australia 2022, will contest for the Best Album gong against fierce competitors Baker Boy, Harvey Sutherland, JAZZPARTY and Kerryn Fields. She is the only Zimbabwean on the nominees’ list and her album nominated is “Life in Colour”.

Speaking to Chronicle Showbiz from her Australian base, Thando said the nomination meant that her journey was one worth replicating as it advocates for blacks to be recognised abroad.

Thandolwethu Emily Nomvula Sikwila on stage

“It’s exciting to be recognised for my songwriting and it means a lot that our stories about being black in this country are heard. There’s some stiff competition, but I’m so proud to have been recognised like this, and to set an example for other young people in the African diaspora to tell their stories loudly and proudly,” she said.

Commenting on her love for touring and promoting her album, Thando hinted at coming back to perform in Zimbabwe since her relocation in 2001.

“I love being on the road. Having to win over a brand new audience every time is the best part of the music. I work very hard to connect and have them leave the show feeling like they are my best friend.

Thandolwethu Emily Nomvula Sikwila

It’s been amazing sharing my album with Australia and I’d love to come and sing for Zimbabwe next year, so I can continue my tour,” she said.

Sikwila is a self-proclaimed “First Lady of Soul and RnB” and her latest single, “Fall” has been received well by Aussies and people around the world. She has performed for massive crowds at festivals such as Bluesfest, WOMAdelaide, Groovin The Moo, BigSound, Jungle Love and Woodford Folk Festival. – @eMKlass_49