ZIMA changes dates, venue

By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka

The Zimbabwe Music Awards have announced new venue and dates for this year’s edition.

The ZIMAs were previously held in February but now have been moved to June 3, 2023 while the venue has been moved from the Harare International Conference Centre to the smaller 7 Arts Theatre.

These changes were made with the coming in of the new executive announced earlier in the year.

Announcing the ZIMAs 2023 edition roadmap and partnerships, Fungai Kush Zvirawa said: “The theme for ZIMA 2023 is “Re-Imagining The Industry”. As we support the global integration into online & digital spaces for our music the future of a Zimbabwean sound is in that universe.

“We strive towards an African renaissance and genuine renewal in the Zimbabwean arts sector and we acknowledge the significance of transformative innovation in our music sector.

“Despite the known challenges Zimbabwe is facing it is time to celebrate with the rest of the world and consciously put our sound in the forefront,” she said.

She said the call for entries will be held on 14 April and adjudication starts on 17 April while the announcement of nominees will be made on 2 May.

This year there are 25 categories and entries will be for 24 categories with one being a special award, The Lifetime Achievement Award which does not require any submissions.

The categories are as follows:-

1. Song of the Year

2. Best Female Artist of the Year

3. Best Male Artist of the Year

4. Best Group/Duo of the Year

5. Best Newcomer of the Year

6. Best Album of the Year

7. Best Zimdancehall

8. Best Sungura

9. Best Afropop / Afrofusion

10. Best Hip Hop

11. Best Collaboration