Bulawayo | December 21, 2025

The Bulawayo Arts Awards 2025 were held yesterday at ZITF Hall 3 in Bulawayo, recognising artists, creatives, and cultural practitioners for outstanding contributions to the arts across multiple disciplines.

The ceremony brought together stakeholders from music, dance, theatre, film, fashion, media, poetry, photography, and digital content creation, celebrating individuals and groups whose work shaped Bulawayo’s cultural landscape over the past year.

A total of 35 awards were presented, acknowledging both emerging talent and established figures. The night concluded with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Josh Nyapimbi, in recognition of his long-term contribution to the arts.

Several institutions and productions were also honoured. Zimpapers won Outstanding Online Media, while Harvest House Music – Revival Party received the award for Outstanding Music Video. In film and television, A Trap of Trade won Outstanding TV Production/Programme, and Sasha Juliet Zulu was recognised for Outstanding Film/TV Production for Freedom Comes Dancing.

Artistic excellence across performance and storytelling was reflected in awards spanning theatre, music genres, dance, literature, and broadcasting. The People’s Choice Award was presented to DJ Mzoe, reflecting audience support.

FULL LIST: BULAWAYO ARTS AWARDS 2025 WINNERS

1. Outstanding Arts Photographer – Elliot Moyo

2. Outstanding Female Dancer – Albertina Manombe (Simunye Simunye)

3. Outstanding Male Dancer – Allen Mahwehwe (Simunye Simunye)

4. “Litshe” Outstanding Dance Ensemble – No Name Crew

5. Outstanding Theatre Actress – Praise Ncube (Ipi Intombi)

6. Outstanding Theatre Actor – Josphat Ndlovu (Without A State)

7. “Qhube” Outstanding Theatre Production – Ipi Intombi

8. Outstanding Comedian – Mbongeni Ignatious

9. Outstanding Online Content Creator – Chik Aljoy

10. “Moyoxide” Outstanding Poet – Sonkomose

11. “Pathisa Nyathi” Outstanding Literary Work – Philani A Nyoni (Testament of Black Jesus)

12. Outstanding Arts Journalist (All Media) – Lisa Masuku (Kurira)

13. Outstanding Online Media – Zimpapers

14. “Babongile Sikhonjwa” Outstanding Radio DJ – Mjox

15. Outstanding Club DJ – Kotwane Hikwa

16. Outstanding Fashion House/Designer – Indwangu By Mthobi

17. Outstanding Model – Sakhile Dube

18. Outstanding Ambassador (Worldwide) – Nitefreak & Everton Mlalazi

19. Outstanding Hip Hop Artist/Act – Noluntu J

20. Outstanding Kwaito/House/Gqom/Amapiano – MJ Sings

21. Outstanding Alternative Music – Bhila

22. Outstanding Gospel Artist – Vusa Mangena

23. Outstanding Imbube/Acapella Act – Amaculo Enjabulo

24. Outstanding Tshibilika/Rhumba Act – Mxolisi Mr Bones

25. Outstanding Music Producer – Just Percy

26. Outstanding Music Video – Harvest House Music (Revival Party)

27. Outstanding Song of the Year – Jaycee (Ungayithi Vuuu)

28. Outstanding TV Production/Programme – A Trap of Trade

29. Outstanding Film/TV Production – Sasha Juliet Zulu (Freedom Comes Dancing)

30. Outstanding Film/TV Actor – Sikhanyiso Ngwenya (Rise)

31. Outstanding Newcomer (Across All Genres) – Black Diva

32. Outstanding Male Artist – Mzoe 7

33. Outstanding Female Artist – Abigail Mabuza

34. Lifetime Achievement Award – Josh Nyapimbi

35. People’s Choice Award – DJ Mzoe