Zimbabwe Hip Hop Awards to Honour Stunner and Babongile Sikhonjwa at 15th Anniversary
The Zimbabwe Hip Hop Awards (ZHHA) are set to mark their 15th anniversary with a special tribute to two cultural icons who shaped the nation’s hip-hop scene — Desmond “Stunner” Chideme and the late Babongile Sikhonjwa. Scheduled for December 12 in Harare under the theme “Cultural Estate,” this year’s edition aims to celebrate their lasting influence on Zimbabwean music and youth culture. Organisers emphasised that the awards will highlight both the artistic and social contributions of these figures.
Stunner, the creative force behind the timeless hit Godo, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of a career spanning more than two decades. His work blended street poetry, fashion, and mainstream appeal, setting the foundation for local hip-hop and inspiring generations of artistes. “Stunner’s flow and fearless creativity defined a generation. He helped transform hip-hop into a household genre in Zimbabwe,” organisers said. His influence continues to shape the sound, style, and culture of the local music industry.
The late Babongile “Rockstar” Sikhonjwa will be honoured posthumously with an Honorary Award for his dedication to promoting and nurturing hip-hop in Zimbabwe. Sikhonjwa’s contributions included mentoring young artistes, hosting radio shows, and organising events that showcased the genre. “Sikhonjwa’s voice championed the culture from the airwaves to the streets. His legacy continues to echo in the work of young artistes he inspired,” the organisers stated. His impact remains visible in the current generation of hip-hop talent.
In addition to recognising these cultural icons, the 15th ZHHA will launch a year-long anti-drug abuse campaign, using hip-hop as a platform to drive positive change among youth. The awards will continue to spotlight social consciousness within the genre while celebrating artistic excellence. Submissions for this year’s awards opened on September 29, covering 28 categories across artistry, production, media, and community impact. Nominees will be announced on November 14 ahead of the grand event.
The 15th edition of the Zimbabwe Hip Hop Awards promises a combination of celebration, reflection, and cultural advocacy, solidifying its role as a key platform for Zimbabwean hip-hop. The event will honour the legacy of influential figures while promoting the genre’s ongoing evolution and its impact on society.
