Cal_vin
Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
Eight award nominations but no win — this is the story of self proclaimed hip-hop King, Bulawayo rapper Cal_Vin who was overshadowed by Stunner and a whole host of new emcees at the Zim Hip-Hop awards held in Harare on Thursday.
The awards ceremony held at Long Chen Plaza coincided with Cal_Vin’s 32nd birthday and when he was nominated it seemed the writing was on the wall that he would take another haul of awards like last year when he bagged three gongs.
However, it was not to be as this was not his lucky year. It was a big night for Stunner who scooped three awards – Best Music Video, Best dressed male and People’s choice. Sharky’s debut album – Soko Matemai scooped the Best Album of the year award while Takura was announced Best Newcomer.
Taking after Cal_Vin, Bulawayo rappers fared well this year with AWA, the sangoma rapper being crowned Best Female, Burg Boyz being the Best group and Super Geeks being the Best Dance group.
A humble Cal_Vin said although he was disappointed to return home empty handed, he was happy that fellow artistes from Bulawayo had also raised the city’s flag high.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t win a single award. I guess I wasn’t good enough for the game this year but we stay in our lane. Congratulations to the winners,” posted Cal_Vin on his Facebook page.
Below is a full list of the 2016 Zim Hip Hop award winners:
Best Gospel: Courtney Antipas
Best underground: Psychotek
Best local brand supporting hip-hop: Volt
Best alternative: Tytan
Best solo dancer: John Cole
Best online media: Zimbuzz
Best media TV: Trey Ncube
Best journalist: Sindiso Dube
Best Radio DJ: Mox
Best Diaspora: Karizma
Best album: Sharky – Soko Matemai
Best group: Burg Boyz
Best producer: Philo
Best collabo: 8L and Tocky Vibes — Mainini
Best verse: GZE
Best Music Video: Stunner ft Sir Ford – Inna me head
Best hustle: Jnr Brown
Best dressed — female: Amy Peters ADNP
Best dressed — male: Stunner
Best newcomer: Takura
Best female: AWA
Best male: Ti Gonzi
People’s choice: Stunner
Best club DJ: Raydizz