Pracas nominees revealed

Sipepisiwe Moyo, moyosipepisiwe@gmail.com

Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards (Pracas) are back for their fifth edition, set to take place on December 21. The two-day event will begin with a festival at Pumula North Hall, culminating in the main awards ceremony the following day.

The awards, held annually, celebrate excellence in the Cultural and Creative Industries while recognising outstanding contributions to community development by individuals and organisations.

The main event will be hosted by UMnikazi WeMpuphu, Khaya Pardon Khanye, Precious Rose, and Khalanga Lenkosi, while Admire J Banda will host the festival. Red carpet duties will be handled by Tarie Eva and Nomqhele Sisa Nkomo.

The nominees list for this year has been unveiled, featuring Chronicle reporter Mbulelo Mpofu in the Outstanding Journalist category alongside Mkhokheli Zibengwa of BANO and Brighton Beefactor Ncube of CITE Media House.

Competing for Best male artiste are Ronald Stone, Toksiq Balaclava, Swizz, UMsheli Wentombi, TCK, Gabriel French, Mjikelwa, Bovas, Mlue Jay, and Butholezwe Ntini. Mandie Mae, Roxie Rebel, Poet Lethu and Starlight are in the running for Best female artiste. Songs, Handidi by Ronald Stone ft Roxie Rebel, Makomborero by TCK, Agezile by Msheli Wentombi, I Love You by Swizz, Emsamo by Mjikelwa, and Ride or Die by Frillex Epic are up for Song of the year.

Maskandi group Umsheli Wentombi has been nominated in three categories: Best Male Artiste, Best Maskandi Group, and Song of the Year for their track Agezile.

Meanwhile, Praise L Nkala is nominated for Best Cinematographer, and his organisation Zizo Motion is in the running for Best Media House.

Sunduza Dance Theatre will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In celebration of community heroes, Sazini Tshuma (Magolide Foundation), Sikhulekile Moyo (Pumula Arts and Craft) and Nokukhanya Mahlangu (BUPRA Ward 19) have been nominated in the Community Leaders category. Sibongiseni Ncube (All Smiles), Sikhulekile Dube (Pumula Arts and Crafts), Tafadzwa Sibanda (OTEIA’S Homemade Premium cookies), Siphathisiwe Jodo (Jodo Interior), Mandile Mangena (Inclusive Style), and Sipho S Mlilo (Byo My City) have been nominated for Best Entrepreneur.

Founder of Umsheli Wentombi, Mfundo Nyathi, shared his excitement about his nomination.

“My nomination in three categories is a sign of growth as an artiste. While it’s not my first nomination, I’m particularly excited about the Song of the Year nod for Agezile. I urge my fans to vote for me as their support means everything,” said Nyathi.

Chronicle reporter Mbulelo Mpofu, the reigning winner of the Outstanding Journalist category, remains optimistic about securing another victory this year.

“It’s always refreshing to be recognised for your contribution to the local arts scene. Winning back-to-back would be a great achievement, but it’s an honour just to be nominated alongside esteemed peers,” he said.

Brighton Ncube from CITE Media House echoed similar sentiments.

“Kudos to the Pracas for their commitment to championing the arts. I’m honoured to be nominated and proud to stand alongside Mbulelo and Mkhokheli in amplifying the voices of Bulawayo’s artistes. A win for any of us is a win for journalism as a whole,” said Ncube.

Event organiser Happy Mpofu expressed his excitement about the growth of the Pracas.

“I’m thrilled to witness the remarkable growth of the Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards over the years. As we mark our fifth edition, it’s evident that our efforts to promote artistic excellence and community development have resonated deeply with the community.

“This year’s edition promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a diverse range of talented nominees and exciting performances lined up. We’re grateful for the continued support from our stakeholders, sponsors, and the community, and we look forward to celebrating excellence for years to come,” said Mpofu.

He also announced the introduction of five new categories that will expand the awards’ reach beyond Pumula.

“These new categories — Outstanding Musician, Outstanding Poet, Outstanding Youth in Community Engagement, Outstanding Actor/Actress, and Outstanding Model — aim to recognise and celebrate exceptional talent and contributions from neighbouring communities. We believe talent and creativity know no boundaries,” he added.