The Sunday Mail
January 25, 2020, has been set aside for the much-touted return of Zimbabwe’s premier music awards, the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima). As the day fast approaches, do the organisers of the event have their house in order?
The Sunday Mail Society sought some answers from Zima marketing and public relations manager Benjamin Nyandoro, who took the opportunity to announce Zima’s headline sponsor, PPC Zimbabwe.
The Sunday Mail Society’s ANDREW MOYO then spoke to PPC Zimbabwe’s KELIBONE MASIYE, who not only confirmed his organisation’s partnership with Zima, but also revealed his company’s passionate support for the arts sector in Zimbabwe. Excerpts . . .
Q: How do you align the new partnership that involves recognition of Zimbabwean musical works and your core business?
A: Being a top brand, we believe Zima has begun a journey of recognising musical excellence. This is one way of giving back to the community that has supported PPC over the years. Music plays a crucial role in communicating profound messages in any environment. While PPC is more into science and engineering, we believe the arts are a critical fibre in our society.
The arts need the support of corporates like PPC to grow and cultivate a positive spirit of constructive competition in order to continuously improve the quality and standard of music in the country. PPC’s mantra is “Strength Beyond”. We believe in strengthening communities because we are stronger together.
Q: Is this relationship a once-off engagement or long term?
A: Our commitment is centred on excellence and strength. Therefore, we believe in the growth of Zima and the partnership that we have started. The most important issue is the recognition of talent and PPC’s plans to continue playing a role in supporting communities, growing talent and helping those in need.
Q: Do you have any related partnerships that you have entered into?
A: PPC is involved in numerous activities within Zimbabwe. Through the PPC Matopos 33-mile Marathon, we are involved in creating awareness for the Matopo Conservation Society while donating all proceeds from the marathon to charities around the country, Childline for example. Speaking of charities, PPC has also supported Jairos Jiri and Danhiko, to mention just a few. PPC has also been at the centre of an innovative arts partnership with the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe, having launched PPC Imagenarium Awards.
The platform encourages artists from around the country to create art using PPC cement. We have been amazed by the amount of talent in Zimbabwe’s various spheres. We passionately believe in ploughing back to the communities that have supported our brand since 1913.
Q: What are your expectations from Zima?
A: We expect an excellent top-class event that will leave the whole country looking forward to the next one. The success of the event will determine the future of the music industry in the country.
