Langalakhe Mabena, Sunday News Correspondent
“THE vibe is correct, again and again!”
The above are signature lines for Bulawayo Hip Hop sensation Asaph on a couple of his songs, and once more the vibe has proven to be on point as he has been nominated three times at this year’s PPC Zimbabwe Music Awards.
The awards which were supposed to be held on 6 February have been shifted to 20 February, in case Covid- 19 restrictions are eased to allow a few spectators.
Asaph was nominated for Best Hip Hop, Best Male and for Best Video for his song Aspheli ’Moya featuring Msiz’Kay.
While some local artistes have been hiding behind the Covid- 19 curtains for the rest of the year 2020, the Burg boy, as Asaph is affectionately known, was grinding it and his hard work is finally paying off. He considers the three nominations an automatic win.
“It makes me happy to be nominated at this year’s PPC ZIMA. I have been grinding it a lot even though the pandemic was affecting my craft so badly in 2020 but now I am reaping what I sow and the vibe is correct,” said Asaph.
He encouraged other artistes to continue producing music.
“It’s the year 2021 and the pandemic is still with us, to my fellow artistes, I challenge them to defy odds and continue doing music, besides, it’s the new normal and fans are willing to consume our music online,” said Asaph who was also nominated for MTV Africa’s Listener’s Choice award.
Leading the PPC ZIMA nominees are Zim Dancehall chanters Nutty O and Poptain with four nominations each, followed by Asaph with three nominations, while Bekezela, Janet Manyowa, Baba Harare, Minister Mahendere and Freeman boast of two nominations each.
Other artistes from Bulawayo nominated are Novuyo Seagirl, Nkwali, Mzoe 7, Indosakusa, Berita, Donell Mangena, Madlela Skhobokhobo, Clement Magwaza and Ndux Jr, amongst others.