The Tsholotsho-born musician has been nominated for “Best Maskandi Newcomer” in the South African Volunteers Awards (SAVA), for his latest offering, Itraffic, released earlier this year.
The nomination is the third of his career in as many years. He was first nominated for best Isicathamiya Group at the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) with Imbube group, Izinkanyezi Zezulu in 2011. They eventually came second in those awards.
Last year, he ran for SATMAs’ Best Newcomer category for his first solo project, an Mthwakazi maskandi album titled Kobandayo.
“I am very happy that my work continues to be appreciated and remain hopeful that this time I will bag it,” said the artist, born Mxolisi Mavundla about three decades ago.
“I would not have reached this level without the support of fellow musicians, deejays, the media and my supportive fans and I would therefore, like to pay my gratitude to them.”
Zinjaziyamluma’s Number One fan and Manager, Mlungisi Madabudabu Tshabalala, called on Zimbabweans to rally behind the musician.
“This nomination is not for Zinja alone, but all the people of Zimbabwe, hence the need for all of us to come together and make sure he wins and puts us on the international map,” said Tshabalala.
“His win will make the world sit up and notice the great talent that lies in our country untapped. I would also like to urge people back home to lend their support to our musicians that have fought hard and made it in a highly-competitive SA music industry. Promoters back home should also stop this issue of spending money on SA musicians and begin to focus on their fellow countrymen that are based here. There is nothing that separates our maskandi musicians from South Africans, other than their nationality. In terms of music and performance, we are up there with them and Zinjaziyamluma’s nomination says it loud and clear.”
The SAVA Awards celebrate members of the community around South Africa, who work tirelessly to build, protect, educate, and inform communities without expecting any reward or favour and come befittingly for Zinjaziyamluma, a community champion who has fought for Zimbabwean music and musicians to be recognised in South Africa.
One can vote for Zinjaziyamluma by sending an sms written – SAVA Best Maskandi Newcomer Zinjaziyamluma to 35642.
Post published in: Dance
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