Chris “Million” Masocha Wins Male Artist of the Year Again at AfriTrade Business Chamber Awards

South Africa-based Zimbabwean musician Chris “Million” Masocha has once again proven his musical prowess after being crowned Male Artist of the Year for the second consecutive time at the prestigious AfriTrade Business Chamber Awards. The event, held on Saturday night at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, brought together artists and business personalities from across the continent.

Million, as he is affectionately known by fans, walked away with the top accolade thanks to his growing influence through mbaure music — a sub-genre he describes as a refined and more rhythmic version of sungura. His unique sound, coupled with his steadily growing fanbase in South Africa, has positioned him as one of the leading Zimbabwean creatives making waves across borders.

“Although I was competing against several other artistes from across the continent, I managed to brush aside that competition and got the gong once again on the strength of the following that our music brand is getting in Mzansi,” he said in a telephone interview.

Leading the Livewire Band, Million has cultivated a loyal following by delivering captivating performances during monthly shows in Port Elizabeth. He explained that the limited performance schedule is deliberate. “We perform once a month here in Port Elizabeth. Hatidi kufumura band nekunyanya kujairirwa panzvimbo one,” he said, highlighting the strategy behind keeping their performances fresh and in demand.

The Mhondoro-born musician is currently working on a six-track album titled Kugulisa Nsomba — a Chewa phrase meaning “selfish” — which is set for release at the end of October. The upcoming project will feature songs in English, Shona, Xhosa and Swahili, showcasing his versatility and intent to appeal to a wider African audience, even though none of the songs will be in Chewa despite the album’s title.

Million’s journey to stardom has been marked by persistence and a deep-rooted love for music. Born on April 13, 1980, he grew up in Mhondoro, attending Kawara Primary School before moving to Beatrice High School and later Seke 4 High School in Chitungwiza. He eventually earned a certificate in Building Trades from Speciss College but found his true calling in music while living in South Africa.

He shared that his music aspirations were long held but slow to materialize due to a lack of exposure and his naturally reserved personality. It wasn’t until he connected with the Chitungwiza-based group Zim Select during a birthday celebration at Welcome Club that his breakthrough came. After impressing Innocent Mpala with his original compositions, he got the chance to perform — leading to the release of his debut album Muri Huchi in 2017.

Since then, Million has gone on to release several songs, including Tanha Dzaunosvikira (2019), Chasatani Hachidyiwe Mahara (2021), Mhanduwe Musadaro, Kumhunga Kune Ipwa and Haribude Rakamirirwa. While sungura remains his core style, he prides himself on being able to perform across different genres.

Aside from his music, Million is also an entrepreneur with businesses in Port Elizabeth, including computer and accessories shops as well as salons. With a background in Information Technology, he refers to himself as a street hustler, showing that his ambitions go beyond the stage.

Winning the Male Artist of the Year Award again is not just a personal victory for Million but a testament to the growing appeal of mbaure music in the diaspora. His consistency, cultural pride and work ethic continue to elevate Zimbabwean sounds in the South African music scene.