THE Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) nominee shortlist is out and, like the last six years, it keeps producing bright, brilliant and extraordinary Zimbabweans excelling in the UK.
Organisers of the high profile event announced over 80 nominees across a reshuffled 18 category list at a press conference held at the Isle of Dogs in London.
The Music Video of the Year award is the latest gong to feature in this years categories, and with the standard of music videos produced in the past year, the contenders include Charlie Kay’s Vimbai, Lamont Chitepo’s Maiwe, Karizma ‘s Shisha Pipe, Xavier Offishal’s Check Your Balance and Kambo Boys’s Melo
ZAA Panel Chair Tawanda Chiwira praised the team of panellists for doing a remarkable job whittling down the shortlist.
“We have been inundated with some outstanding nominations this year, and it highlighted the exceptional work that Zimbabweans are doing, not only in the UK but aboard,” Chinouya said.
“The Zim Achievers have been around for seven years and in that time, the vision that started simply with highlighting and recognising what Zimbabweans are doing in the UK has turned into something bigger.
The community spirit that has been built and the calibre of individuals and organisations that we have recognised over the years really shows how talented, determined and studious Zimbabweans are in building something we can all be proud of,” she added.
Voting will commence on Monday the 20th of March and will run until the 30th of April. Thereafter, votes will be verified by ZAAs Panel of professionals who will arduously assess shortlisted candidates and match up their achievements with the set criteria before emerging with this year’s list of winners.
“We would like to thank the members of the public for taking their time to participate and nominate their peers.
“It is truly pleasing to see that seven years on people are still engaged with the awards programme and that more people are taking up the opportunity to help us highlight the hard work of so many individuals and organisations. We received over 2000 nominations again this year,” said Chinouya.
The awards for the past seven years have celebrated the accomplishments of individuals and organisations in fields that include business, sport, entertainment, arts and culture.
Profiles of this year’s nominees will be featured on www.zimachievers.com/uk and will detail the noteworthy successes of the shortlisted candidates.
This year’s awards will be held on Saturday 6th May 2017 at the Cumberland hotel right in the heart of central London where Oxford Street meets Parklane.
The spectacular venue is a stone’s throw away from the popular high street and the British Museum and offers breath-taking facilities.
The Organising team have a new ticketing system in place, with a three-tier ticket campaign ongoing throughout March and April. Tickets are currently on sale for £65 until the end of March.
ZAA Chairman, Conrad Mwanza urged the public to take advantage of the current ticket discount before the offer ends.
“Our revised ticketing system will give all those wanting to attend an opportunity to get their tickets early and at a discounted price.
I would encourage all those wanting to attend to get their tickets and reserve the best seats in the house as they are being snapped up daily.” Mwanza said.
“There are a limited number of early bird tickets for £65, and this campaign will end on the 31st of March. Thereafter, tickets will be £75 until the end of April,” he added.
The ZAA annual gala dinner has become the society red carpet event and the most popular date on the Zimbabwean community’s calendar. It remains the pinnacle of celebration for the accomplishments of Zimbabweans who are settled in the UK.
The organisation is set to announce Australia in the coming weeks. Australia will become the fourth country in the world to have a ZAA presence.
The organisation is also adding another rousing programme to their annual agenda and there are plans for a global summit in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Economic Society in Dubai in September.
2017 ZAA Finalists are………
Business Of the Year
Adriel Care
Covent garden Dental Spa
Fro-Sister
Senditoo
Tengai OnLine
Professional of the Year
Adiel Mambara
Dorcas Gwata
Laura Denenga
Trevor Mazhande
Godfrey Chimbganda
Innovation Award
Godwin Chikobvu
David Zinyama
Summer Rose
Sharon Odongo
Nana Dolls –
Female Entrepreneur
Dudu Ncube
Dr Flora Chigwedera
Hanan Nqo – Fro Sister
Rumbi Serima Fowler
Delight Mapasure
Male Entrepreneur
David Zinyama
Kingsley Chizanga
Takwana Tyaranini
Godwin Chikobvu
Alfred Chimedza
Music Video of The Year
Charlie Kay – Vimbai
Lamont Chitepo – Maiwe
Karizma – Shisha
Xavier Offishal – Check Your Balance
Kambo Boys – Melo
International Gospel Artist
Fungisai
Lloyd Tevedza
Angie Manda
Tatenda Mahachi
Sebastion Magacha
Music Artist of the Year
Charly Kay
Lamont Chitepo
Busi Mhlanga
Laura Denenga
Kambo Boys
Tsungai Tsikirai
Media Personality
Tafadzwa Mushipe
Carol Nyakudya
DJ Sodza
Memory Savanhu
Samantha Ncube-Mahlangu
Fashion Designer
Tapiwa Dingwiza
Ngoni Chikwenengere
Yvonne Yvette
Tsitsi Sibanda
Tsitsi Fred
Event of the Year
Free To Worship
PAWAR
Zim Link Up
Summer Invasion UK
SAMA Festival
Community Champion
Caroline Makaka
Dorcas Gwata
Abigail Ramwi
Samukeliso Tennyson
Priv Mudada
Young Achiever
Queenie Chizea
Miss ‘Sakhie’ Classique
FroGirl Ginny
Shawn Chatora
Vongai Ruzive
Community Organisation
Zim Health
The Life Project
ZHTS
Care for Someone Charity
Tadana Foundation
UK Sports Personality
Lovejoy Chawatama
Tamuka Muchapondwa
Gary Simon Ballance
Tendayi Darikwa
Camilla Kruger
Mac Shumba Pemhiwa
Female Personality
Ellen Chiwenga
Summer Rose
Danai Mavunga
Bren Mupa
Sithule Nicole Tshuma
Male Personality
Mike Tashaya
Phil Noble
Kay Cie
Mathetes Chihwai Martino
Tafara Dube – Sadza
Savannah Freight People’s Choice
Panashe Mtwalo aka DJ Nash
DJ Ru
Danai Mavunga
Reneei Chimangah
Duchess Cleo
