By Mkhokheli Zibengwa
The much-anticipated 8th edition of the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) has officially unveiled its list of nominees, showcasing fresh faces and remarkable new talent that has emerged across the city’s creative scene over the past two years.
The announcement, made by BAA Media on Friday evening, marks the return of one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated arts recognition platforms following last year’s postponement. This year’s nominees span various creative disciplines — though notably, there will be no contenders in the visual arts category.
Organisers confirmed that the 2025 edition will maintain the same format as the previous event, with no public voting for individual categories. However, the ever-popular People’s Choice Award makes a return, giving fans a chance to cast their votes online via the BAA website, www.byoartsawards.org.
Voting opens on Monday, November 3, 2025, and will close on December 15, 2025, after which the top ten finalists will be announced. The ultimate winner will be determined through a live audience ballot on awards night, scheduled for December 20, 2025, at ZITF Hall 3 in Bulawayo. Attendees will also stand a chance to win exciting prizes from BAA sponsors.
In a bid to celebrate the spirit of artistic collaboration, organisers will host a special artists’ dinner — a networking event designed to honour the creators behind the awards, with details to be announced in the coming weeks on BAA’s official platforms.
The 2025 edition will also pay tribute to late cultural icons Sihlangu Dlodlo, Pathisa Nyathi, Ishmael Muvingi, Babongile Sikhonjwa, and Desire Moyoxide, with some awards named in their honour — a move organisers describe as a “fitting tribute” to their lasting legacy in the arts.
Early bird tickets for the event will be available from Monday, November 3, via www.zimtickets.com, with physical tickets on sale at Video Eazy and Liquor Supplies.
As the BAA marks its 8th anniversary, organisers say this year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable celebration of creativity, resilience, and artistic excellence in the City of Kings.
