The 2025 edition of the Zimbabwe Hip Hop Awards (ZHHA) has officially dropped its nominee list, and it’s one of the strongest, most competitive lineups the culture has seen in years. From rising newcomers to veteran MCs, producers, and platforms pushing the culture forward, this year’s nominations reflect a thriving scene that continues to grow in quality, diversity, and reach.
The awards also announced that three radio personalities—who have consistently championed hip-hop for over a decade—will be honoured this year. Their names will be revealed soon, so fans are encouraged to stay locked in.
Below is the full breakdown of the 2025 ZHHA nominees:
Best Male
Bagga
Bling4
Sanewav
Runna Rulez
Voltz JT
Best Female
Noluntu J
Yadis
Millz Million
Swazy
Banshee
Best Collaboration
Voltz JT ft. Sanewav – Cannabis
Mickey Black ft. Holy 10, Jake Miles, Banks – Bhema Bhema
Bling 4 ft. Runna Rulez – Boiz Rangu
Scripmula ft. Runna Rulez, Holy 10 – Bhururuka
Yadis ft. Hooksmith – Kepele
Best Hip Hop Group
Luminous & Curtis Dee Rovar
Briza & Klyve Beats
Mulanation
A99
Benefit Tanaka & Phoenix Beats
Best Producer
Nag Beatz
CalvinMadeIt
Klyve Beats
Curator
Caleb Beats
Its Don’t Worry
Best Newcomer
Hooksmith
Yadis
Briza
Sane Wav
Mickey Black
Trap Dee
Best Brand Supporting Hip Hop
A99
Bulawayo Connect
Sukhavad Apparel
3rd World Entertainment
Voice of Zim Hip Hop
Best Album
Kwela Initiative
Runna Rulez – Skunyu
Raykaz – Those Around Me
Bling4 – Hosana
Benefit Tanaka & Phoenix Beats – Pana Mwinga
Best Promoter
Brintz & Farai
Shoko Festival
Bulawayo Connect
That Boy Cader
3rd World Entertainment
Shebeen Fest
Best Diaspora
Tidech
Dimitri & The Scarecrow
Mlue Jay
Mr Nyamz
Mas Genesis
Don Dada
Best Gospel Act
Banshee
Swazy
Reap3r
Churchboi Gee
Teqmula
216 Whiskey
CalvinMadeIt
Jason Gwanzura
Best Underground
Benefit Tanaka
Gambit Ilmind
Leodale
Gilmore
Tidech
That Boy Cader
Best Alternative
Wes
Mugaratia
216 Whiskey
Banshee
PaintAFresco
Planet Dodger Online Media Award
Riddim and Raps
PD – Kulture Kontrol
Mumhanzi Media
Clout-Base
Earground
Zimsphere
Best Journalist
Earground
PD The Ghost
Tawanda Chari
Takudzwa Manando
Malcom Mufunde
Song of the Year
Sanewav – Bhimu
Bling4 ft. Runna Rulez – Boiz Rangu
Mr Nyamz – Mutupo
Mickey Black – Bhema Bhema
Young Gemini – Dhe Nhanha Dhe
Video of the Year / Video Director
Sane Wav – Maximal
Mr Nyamz – Mutupo
Bagga – Zvandinonamatira
Scrip Mula – Bhururuka
Noluntu J – Skelem
Briss Mbada – I Wish
Best Live Act
Bling4
Bagga
PaintAFresco
Noluntu J
Sane Wav
Best Hip Hop Hustle
Mr Nyamz
Voltz JT
Bling4
Bagga
Sane Wav
That Boy Cader
Best Hip Hop Verse (Sweet 16)
Yadis – Sunday Morning Cartoons
Raykaz – Ray’s Insomnia
PaintAFresco – Didn’t Know
Hooksmith – Kepele
Malcom Mufunde – Harare
Hip Hop Personality of the Year
Sane Wav
R Peels
Donne Jovi
Briza
Bling4
Bagga
Kurry Suave
People’s Choice
Runna Rulez
Voltz JT
Sane Wav
Bling4
Bagga
Mr Nyamz
Lifetime Achievement
Stunner
Positive Social Impact Award
Kwela Initiative
Jason Gwanzura
Mike Cibeh
Banshee
Voltz JT
Spoken Word / Poetry
Amartian
Kuda Rice
Banshee
Sholare
Dimitri & The Scarecrow
Honorary Award
Babongile Sikhonjwa
With newcomers standing shoulder to shoulder with established giants, the 2025 Zim Hip Hop Awards promises to be a landmark celebration of creativity, growth, and cultural pride. The community waits eagerly to see who will walk away with top honours—and which stories will shape another year in Zimbabwean hip-hop history.