Zimcelebs is a Zimbabwean celebrity news social media-based blog. [1] [2]
Zimcelebs was founded in February 2017 as Zimcelebs TV by Lewis John. John was running a nightclub in South Africa then and he engaged Tafadzwa Gondo who was a freelance journalist to become a partner, the duo revealed that the Zimcelebs idea was inspired by The Shade Room. [3] Over the years, the platform has become one of Zimbabwe's portals for celebrity breaking news and the social media based blog has accumulated a significant following. In March 2021, Zimcelebs was listed as the 6th most influential social media platform in Zimbabwe with the highest engagement percentage and has about 7 million views on YouTube. [4] [5]
Since 2019, Zimcelebs has launched a number of online programmes where musical artists go for live performances which are Ndipe Mic 2019, [6] Bhazi reMangoma 2020, Garage Sessions 2021 and MaChillz. These sessions have hosted top artists like Alick Macheso, Enzo Ishall, Tocky Vibes, Poptain, Stunner, Jah Signal, Winky D, Mudiwa Hood, Kikky Badass, Seh Calaz, Nutty O, Bazooker, Holy Ten, Baba Harare. [7] In 2020, Passion Java Records launched Garamumba [8] which was the first Zimbabwean lockdown online performances session, and it was launched and streamed on Zimcelebs social media from part one to part seven. The segments averaged 300,000 to 500,000 views per session. [9] [10] [11] [12]
Winky D is a Zimbabwean reggae-dancehall artist, popularly known as "The Big Man". His music provides social commentary about Zimbabwean society.
Mukudzeyi Mukombe, better known as Jah Prayzah, is a Zimbabwean contemporary musician and lead member of the band Third Generation. Regarded as the most prolific musician of his generation in the country, he was popularly referred to by fans and media as "Masoja", the Shona word for "soldier", a name he earned mostly because of his signature band uniform of military regalia. The name "Jah Prayzah" comes from his name, "Mukudzeyi", which means "Praise Him".
John Cole is a Zimbabwean choreographer and performing artist.
Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (Z.A.A.) also referred to as Zim Achievers Awards is an awards ceremony that seeks to recognise Zimbabweans based in the diaspora for outstanding and notable achievements. Among the awards recipients include Hollywood actress Danai Gurira of The Walking Dead TV Series, and Black Panther; Chipo Chung as well as Luthuli Dhlamini of South Africa's TV Series Generations.
Tendazvaitwa Medea Chitimbe is a Zimbabwean dancehall musician who adopted the moniker ‘Ninja Lady’ from her boss and mentor Winky D who is called Ninja President by his legion of fans. She first rose to fame after featuring in Winky D's song Taitirana paFirst Sight in 2011.
Coco weAfrica, is a Zimbabwean musical artist popular on Afrobeats, known for his 2016 hit song "Mai VaDhikondo". At the time he was known as Coco Master, which he then changed to Coco weAfrica.
The 2019 Star FM Music Awards were held on February 1, 2019, at Zimbali Gardens in Harare, Zimbabwe. The awards identify musical excellence, providing a multifaceted celebration of the rich cultural diversity of Zimbabwean music.
Amanda Zuva Habane is a Zimbabwean socialite and businesswoman who was nominated as the Business woman of the year for the African Women of Essence Awards 2019.
Learnmore Manyenyeka formerly known as Long John the Comedian and now known professionally as Learnmore Jonasi, is a Zimbabwean stand-up comedian, actor and MC. He is also known as "The Village Boy" and has won the 2019 National Arts Merit Awards as the Outstanding Comedian of the Year and the 2019 Savanna Comic Choice Awards as the Pan African Comic of the Year. He was people's choice award winner in Steve Harvey's Stand Up Spotlight competition in 2019. In 2020 he won the National Arts Merit Awards as the Outstanding Comedian of the Year.
Nox Guni alias Nox, is a Zimbabwean musician, performing artist, songwriter and producer based in South Africa. He is renowned for the musical movement in Zimbabwe of the early 2000s dubbed Urban Grooves.
Ngonidzashe Dondo, better known as King98, is a Zimbabwean Hip Hop artist based in South Africa.
Soul Muzavazi Musaka, was known professionally as Soul Jah Love/chibaba/chigunduru., was a Zimbabwean musician credited as a pioneer of mainstream Zimdancehall. He was declared a hero for his contributions to music. Among several hit singles, Soul Jah Love had tracks "Ndini Uya Uya", "Gum-kum" (2012),"Pamamonya Ipapo." (2016) Posthumous work included "Ndichafa Rinhi" (2021). He also won numerous ZIMA, NAMA awards for "Ndini Uya Uya", "Gum-kum" (2012),"Pamamonya Ipapo." (2016). "Ndini Uya Uya", "Gum-kum" (2012),"Pamamonya Ipapo." (2016) were the first major hits that brought the late Soul Jah Love international recognition in Dancehall. He was widely referred to as "Chibaba".
Freeman HKD Boss, born Emegy Slyvester Chizanga, is a Zimdancehall artist who rose to prominence after release of Joina City single.
Rumbidzai Takawira is a prominent Zimbabwean television personality, TV producer, broadcast journalist and former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation main news anchor. She is also a karateka, she represented Zimbabwe at the World Karate Championships in Shizuoka, Japan.
Passion Java is a Zimbabwean, Christian preacher, socialite, entrepreneur, music promoter and author. He is also an associate of the Zimbabwean president, Emerson Mnangagwa.
Rodger Tafadzwa Kadzimwe, known professionally as Levels Chillspot, is a Zimbabwean music producer, artist and Zimdancehall chanter. He is co-founder of Chillspot Recordz.
McDonald Sheldon, known professionally as Qounfuzed is a Zimbabwean singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence in 2011 when he released Chimbovarega single which became a radio hit.
Dj Fantan is a Zimbabwean record producer, record executive, DJ and Zimdancehall chanter.
Rachel J is a Zimbabwean musical artist, television personality and businesswoman.
Felistus Chipendo, best known by her stage name Feli Nandi, is a Zimbabwean singer, songwriter and fashion designer. Her music is a combination of soul music containing elements from Afro-fusion. She is also the owner of the clothing line Feli Nandi Apparel, which she formed in 2021.