Respect The Hustle: Star FM Listeners Awards Deliver Top-Notch Production and High Drama
Sona Entertainment Desk:
Arts & Lifestyle Report
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Platform:
Sona Headlines
Event:
Star FM Listeners Choice Awards
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Timeline:
May 11, 2026
"Organisers of the show took the musicians by surprise."
Despite the global impact of Covid-19 on the arts industry, the Star FM Listeners Awards ceremony held over the weekend was an undeniable triumph of production. Executed with flawless choreography, perfect sound, and vibrant lighting, the event lived up to its theme: **"Respect the Hustle."**
While Zimdancehall sensation **Nutty O** emerged as the night's biggest winner with three awards, the event was not without its share of social media controversy as fans debated the results of the massive public voting system.
40,000 VOTES WELL-CHOREOGRAPHED ACTS DOMESTIC EXCELLENCE
Deconstructing the Night of the Hustle
The awards were beamed live on ZTN and social media, showcasing a level of production rarely seen in virtual ceremonies.
National Anthem to Bike Entrance
The show opened with a powerful national anthem by Everton Mlalazi, followed by a theatrical entrance from Vimbai Zimuto on a bike. Performers including Poptain, Allanah, Kae Chaps, and Mwenje Mathole delivered sets that kept the audience glued to their screens.
Triple Award Recognition
Nutty O scooped **Best Zimdancehall Song (Safe)**, **Best Male Artist**, and **Song of the Year (Kokai)**. Speaking from SA, he expressed his shock and gratitude for the public vote.
Newcomers and Gospel Giants
Other notable wins included Everton Mlalazi (Best Newcomer), Albert Gatsi (Best Sungura), and the group **All for Christ**, who took home the Best Gospel Song and Best Group awards.
Despite the smooth production, the winners list sparked heavy debate across music circles.
40,000 Votes Tallied
Critics queried how certain big performers were beaten by lesser-known artists. However, ZIMURA and auditors confirmed that over 40,000 individual votes were tallied over five days. The results were a direct reflection of what the listening public—not the critics—demanded.
- Lifetime Achievement: Rozalla Miller
- Best Newcomer: Everton Mlalazi – Uyingwele
- Best Sungura Artist: Albert Gatsi
- Best Zimdancehall Song: Nutty O – Safe
- Best Hip Hop Song: Holy 10 – Ghetto Redu
- Album of the Year: Freeman – Freeman and Friends
- Best Female Artist: Tamy Moyo
- Best Song (Diaspora): Nox – My Melody
The Sona Headlines Verdict
"Star FM successfully proved that virtual ceremonies don't have to feel distant. By respecting the artists' hustle, they've set a new standard for local award production."
While the results might remain a point of discussion, the integrity of the voting process and the brilliance of the performances made for a night Zimbabwe will long remember.
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