Bulawayo based rapper and musician Noluntu J has been crowned Outstanding Live Act at the 15th edition of the Zim Hip Hop Awards, held on Friday at Zimbali Gardens.
The prestigious ceremony brought together some of Zimbabwe’s finest hip hop artists, producers, promoters and media personalities, celebrating excellence and growth within the genre. Noluntu J’s win marked a significant milestone for Bulawayo’s hip hop scene, highlighting the city’s rising influence on the national music landscape.
The awards night recognised achievements across various categories, with gospel rapper Calvin Made It winning Best Gospel, while Kuda Rice walked away with the Best Spoken Word Artist award. Tawanda Is My Name was named Best Online Journalist, and 3rd World Entertainment received the award for Best Brand Supporting Zim Hip Hop.
Benefit Tanaka claimed the Best Underground Artist accolade, while Banshee was honoured for Best Positive Social Impact. In the diaspora category, Mr Nyamz emerged victorious, and RSK was named Best Club DJ.
Group efforts were also celebrated, with Mulanation winning Best Duo or Group, and Shebeen Fest taking the Best Promoter award. Ridims & Raps was named Planet Dodger Best Online Media, while Mugaratia won Best Alternative Artist.
Individual artistic excellence saw Paintafresco taking Best Verse / Sweet Sixteen, Klyve Beats winning Best Producer, and Sane Wav being named both Best Hip Hop Personality and Best Newcomer. The Best Video and Video Director award went to Bagga and Director O.
Bling 4 had a standout night, winning Best Male Artist and sharing Song of the Year honours with Runna Rulez for Boyz Rangu. Runna Rulez also took home the People’s Choice Award, while Yadis was named Best Female Artist.
The night concluded with legendary rapper Stunner receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Babongile Skhonjwa was honoured with the Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 15th Zim Hip Hop Awards once again underscored the vibrancy and diversity of Zimbabwean hip hop, with Noluntu J’s win standing out as a proud moment for Bulawayo’s creative community.
