News / National
Controversy mars influencer awards
31 Oct 2023 at 01:50hrs | Views
Several artists in Bulawayo have accused the organizers of the third edition of the African Influencer Awards of bias toward certain award recipients. The awards ceremony, held at Impala Car Rentals on Khami Road in Bulawayo, was expected to celebrate excellence but resulted in widespread dissatisfaction.
Numerous nominees expressed unhappiness with the proceedings, alleging that awards were bought, and votes were rigged during the event. One award nominee, Pardon Khanye, who was competing for the Excellence in the Fashion Industry award, left the event in frustration. He criticized the selection of award winners, particularly in categories where individuals with fewer than 2,000 social media followers received awards.
Khanye's sentiments were shared by other artists who questioned the nomination of Tafadzwa Sibanda, also known as Taffielynn. Sibanda's nomination has sparked controversy in the past, with some artists feeling that she has not made a significant contribution to the arts industry aside from sharing her photos on social media.
The controversy also extended to the seating arrangements at the event, where some artists claimed that it was clear who the winners would be based on their seating.
Khanye also criticized the awards organizers for requiring nominees to pay to attend the awards ceremony, emphasizing that such events should be about celebrating the achievements of individuals without charging them.
Despite the controversy, Khanye acknowledged that the event had a great setup, a fantastic red carpet, and high-quality catering. The awards ceremony was hosted by Moris Touch, with Braydan Moyo, Shadel Noble, Methembe Ndlovu, and Atipa Busuman producing and co-hosting the red carpet.
The event featured various artists and socialites from Bulawayo who dressed up for the occasion, enjoying music, food, and the celebration of fashion and excellence. Award recipients included Mercy Mabiza (Excellence in the Beauty Industry) and Maxine Tekere (Community Service Excellence), among others.
Numerous nominees expressed unhappiness with the proceedings, alleging that awards were bought, and votes were rigged during the event. One award nominee, Pardon Khanye, who was competing for the Excellence in the Fashion Industry award, left the event in frustration. He criticized the selection of award winners, particularly in categories where individuals with fewer than 2,000 social media followers received awards.
Khanye's sentiments were shared by other artists who questioned the nomination of Tafadzwa Sibanda, also known as Taffielynn. Sibanda's nomination has sparked controversy in the past, with some artists feeling that she has not made a significant contribution to the arts industry aside from sharing her photos on social media.
Khanye also criticized the awards organizers for requiring nominees to pay to attend the awards ceremony, emphasizing that such events should be about celebrating the achievements of individuals without charging them.
Despite the controversy, Khanye acknowledged that the event had a great setup, a fantastic red carpet, and high-quality catering. The awards ceremony was hosted by Moris Touch, with Braydan Moyo, Shadel Noble, Methembe Ndlovu, and Atipa Busuman producing and co-hosting the red carpet.
The event featured various artists and socialites from Bulawayo who dressed up for the occasion, enjoying music, food, and the celebration of fashion and excellence. Award recipients included Mercy Mabiza (Excellence in the Beauty Industry) and Maxine Tekere (Community Service Excellence), among others.
Source - newsday
