“Thank you, media, for making me and breaking me.”
These words, once uttered by the late South African pop icon Brenda Fassie, the powerful and often complicated relationship between celebrities and the press.
It’s a sentiment echoed by the late English reality TV star Jade Goody, who acknowledged the media’s role in shaping public perception.
This power dynamic is set for a role reversal as the spotlight turns onto the journalists themselves at the upcoming Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAAs).
The nominees for Outstanding Arts Journalist have been announced, featuring four of the city’s top scribes: Lisa Masuku, Mbulelo Mpofu, Langalakhe Mabhena, and Mthabisi Tshuma.
The latter three are both previous winners and returning nominees, setting the stage for a highly competitive category.
Multi-award winner Tshuma expressed mixed feelings about his nomination.
“I am happy for the nomination; however, there are so many other young journalists, including Natsha Mutsiba, and Sphephisiwe Moyo, amongst others,” said Tshuma.
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“I am not saying I am not good, but this year I did not put that much effort into it as I thought maybe it’s time to let others shine.
“I am happy that we got nominated for the online category for the first time.”
Masuku, the only female journalist squaring off against her male counterparts for the award, gushed with excitement.
“I give all credit to the Heavens,” Masuku said, mentioning her keen anticipation for the “night of the stars.”
Mpofu, who won the award at the last edition, expressed his surprise and gratitude at being nominated again so soon.
“I’m grateful that my work is being recognised. It would be fulfilling to be a two-time Outstanding BAA Arts Journalist of the Year winner,” Mpofu stated.
“This has been a good year for me as I have worked with a lot of new faces and discovered new grounds and connections beyond Bulawayo and Zimbabwe.
‘I’m honoured to be part of the conversation relating to Bulawayo’s creative scene.”
The BAAs have returned with a bang after a sabbatical last year.
While the event has been welcomed with excitement by many, some have voiced their disapproval regarding the nominee list.
BAA spokesperson Nkululeko Nkala said all views were welcome because, “the real owners of the BAAs are the creative artists.”
