BAA 2025 Faces Criticism as Hip Hop Representation Draws Concerns

The 2025 Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) are set to take place on November 8 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Hall 8, but not all artists are satisfied with this year’s nominations. Prominent Hip Hop artist Asaph, whose real name is Tafadzwa Tarukwana, voiced concerns over category representation after not receiving a nomination.

Asaph highlighted issues with the Hip Hop category, noting that a non-hip hop artist has been included among the nominees. “There’s an artist nominated under the Hip Hop category who isn’t actually a Hip Hop artist. This raises an important question about the selection criteria. Maybe the board has its reasons, but it’s highly unlikely that artist even submitted their work under the Hip Hop category,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Despite the controversy, Asaph said he was not bitter about being snubbed, believing the situation allows space for emerging artists to shine.

In an interview with Nehanda Radio, the three-time Roil BAA Outstanding Hip Hop Artist winner explained that while he has not released as much music recently, he has been active behind the scenes. “I’ve been working off the mic with the Artist Development Program KWELA INITIATIVE and other brands I partner with for campaigns,” he said.

Asaph also expressed a desire for recognition of his broader contributions to the local music scene. “Though I’m making the moves a BEST MALE should be making and even more, I’ve never even been nominated for best male, lol, but I’ll keep doing my work. I’m also on Skyz Metro playing local and profiling local hip hop acts,” he told Nehanda Radio.

The 2025 awards will also pay tribute to late local icons, with several categories renamed in their honor. The Outstanding Radio DJ award will now be called the “Babongile Sikhonjwa Outstanding Radio DJ,” Outstanding Literary Work will be renamed “Pathisa Nyathi Outstanding Literary Work,” and the Outstanding Poet category becomes “Moyoxide Outstanding Poet” in memory of late lawmaker and poet Desire Moyo.

While anticipation builds for the awards ceremony, Asaph’s comments have sparked discussions on fairness and transparency in the nomination process. Observers will be watching closely to see how the organizers respond and whether the concerns raised by local artists lead to changes in future editions.