Zimcelebs is a Zimbabwean celebrity news social media-based blog.[1][2]
Background
editZimcelebs 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]
Recognition
edit- Zim Glam Awards 2018 – Best Online Media[13]
- Changamire Festival Awards 2019 – Best Online Media[14]
- Zimdancehall Awards 2019 – Best Online Media[15][16]
- National Arts Merit Awards 2020 – Outstanding Online Media nomination[17][18]
- Zimbabwe Achievers Awards 2020 – Simba Mhere category for best online platform winner 2020[19]
- Changamire Festival Awards 2021 – Best Brand Supporting Hip Hop[20][21]
References
edit- ^ "Zimcelebs Media Group introduces Ndipe Mic sessions". October 31, 2019.
- ^ Herald, The. "Live concerts brighten Africa Day celebrations". The Herald.
- ^ "Meet the duo behind Zimcelebs... how controversy helped grow a brand". September 25, 2019.
- ^ "MOST FOLLOWED ZIMBABWEANS ON INSTAGRAM – 2021 _ MARCH". March 3, 2021.
- ^ "Top 300 Youtube channels - Zimbabwe". YouTubers.me.
- ^ "Nash TV steals Ndipe Mic concept: Draws mixed reactions on social media". June 14, 2020.
- ^ Mabhiza, Lucky (May 14, 2020). "Stunner surpasses Winky D number of views on Zimcelebrity Facebook page | Mbare Times".
- ^ Mushava, Onai Stanely (December 29, 2020). "Connected states of Africa – Creatives look beyond national lockdowns". This is africa.
- ^ "Gara Mumba Iwe Season 2 ft Enzo Ishall, ExQ, Van Choga and Mark Ngwazi". February 11, 2021.
- ^ "Artistes gear up for Garamumba Iwe final". July 8, 2020.
- ^ Chronicle, The. "Winky D steals Zimbabwean hearts". The Chronicle.
- ^ "Freeman opens up on alleged 'beef' with Jah Master and ZimCelebs". December 10, 2020.
- ^ "Zim Glam Awards: All the winners". Music In Africa. November 29, 2018.
- ^ "Changamire Festival Awards 2019 Nominees". Youth Village Zimbabwe. January 3, 2019.
- ^ "Zimdancehall Awards Winners for 2019 _ Full List –". February 15, 2020.
- ^ "Zimdancehall Awards 2019: All the winners". Music In Africa. February 18, 2020.
- ^ "NACZ announces 19th Nama nominees". February 8, 2020.
- ^ "NAMA 2020 Nominees (Full List)". February 7, 2020.
- ^ "ZimAchievers Awards Light Up South Africa – ZimEye".
- ^ Chronicle, The. "Changamire Festival Awards are back!". The Chronicle.
- ^ "Changamire Hip Hop Awards 2021 Winners List". April 14, 2021.