2013’s VMAs were not so
exciting, not to mention the
distasteful performance by
former Hannah Montana star,
Miley Cyrus, (although her
“twerk” caused quite a buzz on
social media). The fashion was
also disappointing with most of
the artists making it onto the
“worst dressed” category. Must
admit though, it was intriguing
to see Lady Gaga, as bizarre as
ever, after a prolonged time off
the music circuit. Justin
Timberlake proved why he was
deserving of the Vanguard award
with an outstanding performance
of his hits from the last decade
and drawing fans back to his boy
band days with his reunion
performance with N’Sync band
mates. Bruno Mars gave an
exceptional performance with his
song, “Gorilla” and closing off the
show was Katy Perry with the
debut of her song, “Roar”.
world. 2013’s line-up was exciting
with South African comedians, Big
brother: Hot Room hostess, Tumi
Morake and Kagiso Lediga who hit
the comedy night alongside our very
own Carl Joshua Ncube, Clive
Chigubhu and Simba the Comic. At
the “Breaking Barriers Poetry Slam”
featuring, was Ian Kamau (Canada),
Ewok (S.A.), Afurakan (S.A) with
Madzitatiguru as the slam master.
Other acts included Djs Rax and
Amp, Raydizz, Mzungu Kichaa
(Tanzania), Hope Masike and the
Monkey Nuts, Symbiz Sound
(Germany), Dhadza D, Synik and
SAMA award winning rapper, Khuli
Chana.
Summer
Summer is hot and we are not
talking about the heat! Summer is a
definite favourite for most as people
get to enjoy the out doors more with
pool parties, braais and of course the
great summer music! A time to dress
down as less is more, while kicking
back and looking forward to
nothing but a fun-filled and
fantastic season ever….SUMMER!
Channel O African Music
Video Awards 2013
Shoko Festival 2013
“We are the people” was the year’s
theme to Shoko Festival, which is
a space for poets, comedians,
rappers, musicians, djs and
activists to share creativity and
ways to develop the arts within
Zimbabwe and the rest of the
If ever there is an awards show that
we love to watch, it has to be
Africa’s most prestigious, ‘urban’
music’s awards; the Channel O
African Music Video Awards, where
not only the best videos are
awarded, but the whole continent is
united on one stage, on one channel,
in song and dance. With hip-hop
giants, Nigerian, Naeto C and South
Africa’s AKA as the hosts
and a captivating line-up of
performers, the 2013 Channel O
AMVAs were one of the most
exciting nights on the continent
in one of the best years of music!
The Rise of Zim
Dancehall
Whether they are singing
controversial lyrics, or for some,
a catchy hook, the Zimbabwean
dancehall artists have caught
everybody’s attention and have
made a huge contribution in the
appreciation of local music. In
2013 in particular, Zim dancehall
has set ablaze a number of stages
from the ghettos to the upper-class
elite clubs. Some of the top acts
have been Winky D, Shinsoman,
Dhadza D, Soulja Love, Sniper,
Guspy Warrior and Killer T; who
have topped charts and have been
crowd pullers, and we admit that
we too, have gotten ‘into the
groove’ with Zim dancehall…
2013 Zim Hip Hop
Awards
In Zim urban music, these
awards are the most prestigious
awards to be part of, whether one
is a nominee or part of the
audience. So what did the 2013
Zim Hip Hop Awards have to
offer? A few hiccups here and
there however, a night filled with
a lot of talented artists and great
music which promises to go
bigger in 2014; and we will be
there to enjoy the music!
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