Controversy mars hip-hop awards

Entertainment
CONTROVERSY marred the third edition of the Zim Hip-Hop Awards held at 7 Arts Theatre, Harare, on Wednesday with the judges’ panel announcing it had not been furnished with artistes’ material needed in choosing the winners hours before the event.

CONTROVERSY marred the third edition of the Zim Hip-Hop Awards held at 7 Arts Theatre, Harare, on Wednesday with the judges’ panel announcing it had not been furnished with artistes’ material needed in choosing the winners hours before the event.

MICHAEL SHOKO OWN CORRESPONDENT

The organisers responded by assembling a new panel and announced that the awards were going ahead as planned.

This move, however, plunged the ceremony into deep crisis as they did not make public the names of the new judges further questioning the credibility of the winners.

Meanwhile, gospel rapper Mudiwa Mtandwa emerged the biggest winner after bagging three awards.

He won the best video, best gospel and the people’s choice awards.

Best male went to Tehn Diamond while Trae Young took best female for the second year in a row.

The coveted song of the year went to Junior Brown for his party anthem Madrinks. He also won the most valuable player award.

Late mbira queen Chiwoniso Maraire was honoured posthumously with a lifetime achievement award.

Chiwoniso was one of the pioneers of hip-hop music when she formed a group named Peace of Ebony in the early ’90s.

Other winners included Jibilika Trust, Take Fizzo, Few Kings, Marcques, HoodCrankers, MMT, Stunner, DJ Smiley and P Styles, among others.