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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected] 

ON Saturday, Wiener Flüchtlingsball (Vienna Refugee Ball) became Vusa Mkhaya’s stomping ground as he became the inaugural recipient of the Willi Resetarits Preis award, an accolade given to musicians who promote integration and togetherness in Vienna through their artistic work and life.

The award was given in honour of the late Austrian musician, Willi Resetarits who was a musician known for his commitment to integration and social justice. It will be presented annually at the Vienna Refuge Ball.

Mkhaya was selected by a jury made up of artistes and civil society activists. For his exploits, he went home €10 000 richer.

The “Manyanyatha” hit-maker shared his excitement with Showbiz Chronicle from his base in Vienna.

Vusa Mkhaya speaks after receiving his Willi Resetarits Preis award at the Vienna Refugee Ball in Austria

“It’s a good feeling to be recognised and to be the first winner of this prestigious award. As creative people, we do what we do, not for accolades but for the love of the profession.

“Little do we know that someone, somewhere would be watching and decides to recognise us for the work. 

It means a lot. This award is special because the person with whom it is named after, taught me a lot in life.

“It all boils down to patience, hard work, dedication and always knowing why I do this has been key in me receiving this award,” he said.

With three decades under his belt, Mkhaya paid homage to his brothers in arms, Dumisani “Ramadu” Moyo, and Blessings “Nqo” Nkomo, as well as Austrian pianist Roland Guggenbichler, with whom they form Insingizi and MoZuluArt, for being his musical foundation.

Before his untimely passing in 2022, the late Willi Resetarits and Mkhaya had formed a long-standing relationship, as they also performed together. 

To Mkhaya, Resetarits was a special soul as, “he was always open to working with people and nurturing them. He was also dedicated to his craft.”

For the past three decades, Mkhaya has been an integral part of Vienna’s arts and cultural scene. As an imbube artiste, he has been a cultural ambassador, waving the Zimbabwean flags in diverse countries where he has performed. 

After headlining the Mozart Festival with MoZuluArt earlier this year, Mkhaya promised an album at the end of the year, and a tour in countries in and around East Africa. – Follow on X —@MbuleloMpofu