Yvonne Chaka Chaka is happily on top of world

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

YVONNE Chaka Chaka became the first African woman to receive the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday. The forum takes place annually, with businesspeople gathering to discuss the way forward in this sector.

Since she became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations' Roll Back Malaria Partnership, Chaka Chaka has been touring Africa while contributing to the fight against the disease.The award by the World Economic Forum did not come as a surprise. Previous winners of the award include actor Richard Gere, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, producer, composer and musician Quincy Jones, Bono of U2 and singer Youssou N'Dour.

Italy Honours Oliver Mtukudzi with prestigious Cavaliere of the Order of Merit Award

The government of Italy honoured Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi on November 25, 2011 with the prestigious Cavaliere of the Order of Merit award in recognition of his work as an international musician. This is an addition to the list of accolades that the great musician holds. Presented to Mtukudzi by the ambassador of Italy to Zimbabwe Stefano Moscatelli on behalf of the President of Italy, he becomes the first musician in Africa to receive the Cavaliere.“I dedicate the Cavaliere to Zimbabwe whose music is being recognised internationally,” Tuku said. He is also seen with his wife Daisy in purple and also some friends

Zim Hip Hop 2011 Nominees Out

Nominees for the inaugural Zimbabwe Hip Hop Awards set for December 7 at the 7 Arts Theatre have been unveiled, organisers have revealed. The awards are a FIRST and a brainchild of Aldrian Harrison, the founder and executive designer for AH Clothing & Unleashed, an online hip hop magazine. Stunner is tipped as the favourite in the Best Male Hip Hop Of the Year. However he faces stiff competition from Tehn Diamond, Mr Hingis and Maskiri who were also nominated in the same category.

Mtukudzi first African Musician poised to receive top Italian Award

Zimbabwe’s music legend Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi never ceases to amaze as he continues earning international recognition for his artistic work as a musician. Just weeks after the respected USA based Forbes Magazine named him as the 12th most powerful celebrity in Africa, out of a list of 40 others; Mtukudzi is receiving from the Republic of Italy the coveted Cavaliere of the Order of Merit.

Music, arts awards for Zimbos in UK

High Wycombe’s Adams Park, is the venue for the inaugural Zimbabwean Music and Arts Awards UK on November 26. The event will award UK-based Zimbabweans who have excelled in visual and literary arts as well as music as decided by public nomination and poll on the event website. Rise Up Investment Limited, organizers of last year’s ZimAwards Ball are pulling out all the stops to ensure the event will be even bigger. The headline event will be Afrobeat duo Mashasha and Sam, supported by the immensely talented Tawanda Chitifa and Music Icons of Africa.

Cynthia Mare wins BEFFTA Award in UK

UK based Zimbabwean singer Cynthia Mare last week Saturday scooped a BEFFTA (Black, Entertainment, Film, Fashion, Television and Arts) Award for ‘Best UK Female Afro/Caribbean Act’ at a posh ceremony hosted in London. Cynthia was accompanied on stage in a touching moment of solidarity by fellow Zimbabwean nominees – Girl Child Network founder and former CNN Hero Betty Makoni, DJ Simba and designer of choice Leah African Design.

Former BBA housemate Weza to host Channel O red Carpet interviews

The Channel O Music Video Awards Red Carpet is always a sight to see from the clear hits to the major misses. Fashion and more Fashion is the name of the game and Africa has all the colours to make for a very interesting night.Last year the red carpet was taken on by a very fashionable Channel O presenter, Dineo Moeketsi, who got to chat to all the artists who came out to celebrate African music. 

This year she is accompanied by Nigerian R&B sensation Banky W and they will be taking on the main awards show which will be broadcast LIVE on Friday, 11 November 2011 at 21:00 CAT.

Zimbabwean Award Winning Actress - Danai Gurira's quest for excellence

Award-winning 31-year-old Zimbabwean-American actress and playwright, Danai Gurira, revealed that her passion for the arts lies in her ability to create and tell stories rather than in the glitz and glamour of the industry. Giving a public talk recently, Gurira said she got into the arts industry at an early age and received overwhelming support from her parents, which helped shape her career. 

Three Zimbabweans - Rudo Zamchiya, Cynthia Mare and Tracy Chanda Nominated in BEFFTA 2011 Awards

After two successful years of BEFFTA awards in the UK and one year in the US, BEFFTA awards UK is back. The nominations for 2011 were announced on 16 September, 2011.BEFFTA awards is the premier award ceremony that celebrates the achievements of both the known and the unsung hard working black and ethnic minority personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts worldwide under one roof.

                                                       Cynthia Mare

                                                         Tracy Chanda

                                                          Rudo Zamchiya
 Full music nominations after the cut....

2011 Afrotainment Museke Award Winners

The Afrotainment Museke Awards (moamas) honored African Artists with a celebration of African music on September 24th. Our big winners Viviane Ndour and Fally Ipupa also graced the stage performing some of their most famous records. Angelique Kidjo was also honored with her very first lifetime achievement award. Other big performers included Ghana's Blitz the ambassador, French-Cameroonian sisters les Nubians and Rwandan artist Iyadede.  Here is the full list of winners. 

• Artiste of the Year - Fally Ipupa
• Best Male Artist - 2Face Idibia
• Best Female Artist - Viviane
• Best Group - P-Square
• Best New Artist/Group - Jay Ghartey
• Best Album - Didier Awadi’s Presidents d’Afrique 
• Voters’ choice award - Moh Dediouf
• Best Video producer/director - Gelongal