Matabeleland holds its own as Empire 263 releases nominees list
Providence Moyo
Empire 263 Entertainment and Model Agency has released a nominees list for all the 25 categories being contested for this year.
Matebeleland has its fair share of nominees that include Asaph Awakhiwe,Ellaine Ncube ,Mitchelle Sikhosana, Ashley Ncube,Onesimo Ngcotsha, Khama Billiat,Marvelous Nakamba,Sandra Ndebele, and Blaqs.
Talking to Community Podium , multi award winning Dj who is also the founder and CEO of Empire 263 Entertainment and Model Agency, Rangarirai Joseph Joey Mangono popularly known as Dj Joey Lion said the criteria for choosing the nominees was the selection of those with outstanding votes as well as considering the less known artists and trying to give them a chance to make it in the arts industry.
According to Dj Joey, this year’s edition saw an increase in the number of categories from 20 of last year to 25 categories and this has been done to give more artists in different categories an opportunity to win awards and gain recognition for their artistic hard work.
Dj Joey intimated that he is overwhelmed by this year’s edition which was characterized by a huge turnout.
“Participation in arts increased this year and the counting of votes took 72 hours to be completed,” he said.
“It’s high time Zimbabwean artists are recognised for their work like in other countries where artists are making it big and that’s the purpose of the Empire 263 entertainment”, he added.
He also highlighted that due to the covid 19 pandemic the Empire 263 entertainment’s second edition will be held in line with the covid 19 regulations where the event would be held virtually.
