Zimbabwe Achievers award shambolic and amateurish with a touch of glamour

A hopelessly unprofessional production was marred further by pathetic sound, technical problems and inept presenters detached from the mainstream UK-Zimbabwe cultural scene. 

The show’s hosts were UK-based beauty queen, Cynthia Muvirimi, and actor Denver Issac (real name Denver Mangwiro). Muvirimi was dazzling in a red number, and trod cautiously on safe grounds reading everything from script; while Issac provided comic relief in a punk-look two-piece suit, with a turned-up “don’t touch my shoes pants”.

The organisers had even more egg smeared on their faces as many nominees, including Sports Personality of the Year winner, Andy Flower, didn't even care to show up.

At the end of the night, ZAA founder Conrad Mwanza conceded sheepishly of “teething problems” in putting together the second annual event of the gong gig. 

Refreshing and rousing as it was for Shingayi Shoniwa, front-lady of the popular British pop group The Noisettes, to grace the stage, her personal limits to her Zimbabwean roots were made apparent by an overtly naff appearance littered with a series of broken Shona pronouncements.

Also on show and acquitting themselves well were Derek Chisora, the current British and Commonwealth heavyweight boxing champion, prodigious actress Chipo Chung who has starred in the TV sci-fi hit, Dr. Who, and former Miss Zimbabwe Karen “Zuwa” Staley.

Amidst the glitches, there was however no letting to the crowd’s morale on the night which proved a major coup for the event’s organisers. It also gives Mwanza and his team some notes to improve on for the next event in a year’s time.

Young pop sensation Tinashe sang his way to the hearts of all present with a mbira version of his hit single, Zambezi, and an acoustic solo set of Saved.

Esther Mthungwazi also made a stellar performance with a violin set, before crowd favourites BKay and Kazz brought the house down with Amina Kadeya and their hit song, 7 Wonders.

NOMINEES AND WINNERS

(Winners are in bold)

Male Entrepreneur of the Year 
Awarded to a business person who can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues, and with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise.
• Patrick Mavros (Jewellery)
• Denis Mawodzi (Renaissance Nursing Home)
• Dave Stuart (London First Accounting)
• David Mwanaka (Mwanaka Farm Foods)
• Alexio Ferrao (AFD Multimedia)
• Dr Charles Mazhunde (Zambezi Medical) 
      
Sports Personality of the Year  
Awarded for excellence in sports.
• Benjani Mwaruwari (Premier League Footballer)
• Brian Dzingai
• Andy Flower
• Dereck Chisora (Heavyweight Boxer)
• Scott Donald Gray (Union Rugby Player)

Electronic Media (Websites)
Nominee would have made a mark in electronic media including broadcast, media, cinema, art and culture.
 • Zimbabwe Situation
• New Zimbabwe
• Zimdiaspora
• SW Radio
• The Zimbabwean 
      
Radio Station of the year  
The station of the year award showcases the best radio station that reaches and serves its audience. The station should also have demonstrated promotional, charity and community ventures during the year.
• ZimNET Radio
• Nehanda Radio
• SW Radio
• Padare Radio
• Hwamanda Christian Radio  
 
Print Media (Newspapers and Magazines)
Nominee would have made a mark in print media including news, art and culture.
• Baobabwe
• Travel Africa aka Travel Zimbabwe
• The Zimbabwean 
      
DJ of the Year
Nominee incorporates all the elements of showmanship into his DJ performances and takes entertainment to another level.
• King Alfred
• Back2Back
• Welly T
• Rob Life
• Lloyd Musara

Conservation Award
• Tashinga Initiative
• The Zambezi Society
• Wild Horizons Trust
• Aware Trust
• Imire Gamepark (Norman, John and Judy Travers) 
      
Event of the Year
Nominees would have delivered the best and memorable event of the year.
• Pearl Ball
• Oliver Mtukudzi and Ringo
• ZimRocks
• South Groove Boat Party
• Savana Pool Party 
      
Fashion Designer of the Year   
Nominee would have demonstrated designs that would have had an impact in the fashion industry.
• Terri 'Gunz' Mahati
• Liam Fahy
• LeahAfricanDesign
• Haranga Afrik
• Chipo Bespoke
      
Male Radio Presenter of the Year  
Nominee should always be looking for opportunities to connect effectively with the audience he is targeting and is a great ambassador for the station he represents.
• Dj Jabula (Hwamanda Christian Radio)
• Lance Guma (SW Radio)
• DJ Tait (Zimnet Radio)
• Ezra Thisa Sibanda (SW Radio)
• DJ Gabz (Zim Online Radio / StringVibes Fm)

Female Radio Presenter of the Year
Nominee should always be looking for opportunities to connect effectively with the audience she is targeting and is a great ambassador for the station she represents.
• Lady G2 (ZimNet)
• DJ Queen B (AfroVibes)
• Vickie Nkomo (Miss Indee) (SW Radio)
• DJ Dynamite (ZimNet)
• DJ Teesh (Padare) 
      
Company of the Year 
A company that can demonstrate a long standing commitment to responsible business & leadership in the marketplace, workplace, environment and the community.
• Zambezi Foods
• Mukuru
• Chiltern Support
• Hunters Biltong
• Bake Solicitors 
      
Female Personality of the Year
Influential, inspiring and in the news. From all walks of life- politicians, actors, sports stars, artists and models. Others have a lower profile but still intrigue with their determination to make their mark.
• Lara Herbert (OBE)
• Barbara Nyagomo
• Sibongile T Williams
• Nontsie Dube
• Glorianne Francis

Male Personality of the Year 
Influential, inspiring and in the news. From all walks of life- politicians, actors, sports stars, artists and models. Others have a lower profile but still intrigue with their determination to make their mark.
• Dumi Senda
• Wellington Tafirenyika
• Mdududzi Mathuthu
• Kwapi Vengesayi
• Benjani Mwaruwaru
• Simon Chimanya 
      
Community Champion 
An individual who have taken upon themself to campaign tirelessly to improve the Zimbabwean community.
• Jonathan Mbadzo
• Bekezela Nsingo
• Barbara Nyagomo
• Charles Takawira
• Luke Phiri
• Vanessa Babbage 
      
Lifetime Outstanding Contribution  
An individual who has made a substantial long contribution to the Zimbabwean community and a figurehead for change and progress.
• Lucia Dube
• Jeff Sango
• Alex Magaisa
• Petina Gappah
• Wala Dang

Gospel Artist of the Year
Dynamic group/singer that has dominated the marketplace and has taken gospel music to another level.
• Royal Destiny Gospel Group
• Jane Doka
• Beatrice Miniu
• Mantongande
• Obert Mazivisa
      
Photographer of the Year   
Nominee would have excelled in capturing high impact pictures in any of the following categories – wildlife, fashion, landscape, lifestyle and wedding.
• Tess Hurrell
• Christopher Scott - Scotty Photography
• Doubt Chimoyo
• Itai Machipisa
• Dan Calderwood   
       
Male Artist of the Year  
Nominees should demonstrate outstanding musicianship. Preferably on a variety of instruments but vocal/singers are also included.
• Kamakazi Test Pilots
• Jusa Dementor
• Bkay and Kazz
• Nkosana Mangesto Mangena
• Terrance Maz
• Mann Friday
• Tinashe

Female Artist of the Year
Nominees should demonstrate outstanding musicianship. Preferably on a variety of instruments but vocal/singers are also included.
• Zuwa Music
• Kyriah Dee
• Eska Mtungwazi
• Netsayi
• Cynthia Mare
• Oluhle 
      
Music Video of the Year   
Best breakthrough video with the most airplay and impact on viewer by a well thought out production.
• Silvaa King - ''Its Alright"
• Tinashe - ''Zambezi''
• Bkay and Kazz - ''7 Wonders''
• Kyriah Dee - "Turn Around"
• Jusa Dementor featuring Cynthia Mare and Kazz - "Zimbabwe"
• Jusa Dementor - "Air Horn Dance"   
      
Online TV of the Year 
Nominees would have demonstrated leadership, overall excellence, intelligent programming and for its attachment to its well designed strategy and high ratings
• Afro TV
• One Africa TV
• Zimbabwe Broadcasting Network (ZBN News)