As December approaches and the year ends, award platforms open submissions and call out to the artists to see who made the most lasting impression during the year. As always there were new arrivals on the scene, and names that fell to the wayside, while others continued to build on the previous year's success. Zim hip-hop often dominated the headlines, and not for the best of reasons.
The year saw cities united, legacies celebrated, goodwill destroyed and many names making their debut. The music continued to roll out and the already innovative sounds on the genre added more offspring to Zim hip-hop's genealogy. Seismic shifts were around every corner.
As award season officially begins we're here to sift through it all, with our views as the critics. We're going to take you through the tracks that stood out, the albums everyone should've listened to, the MVPs, the rising stars and the moments that defined the genre this year.
This year's panel featured: Tafadzwa 'Tee' Madzika (Greedysouth), Takudzwa Chiwanza (ZimSphere), Mukudzei Mlambo (Zazise Media), Farai Mudzingwa (DailyViz/Afro Music Observatory) and Tawanda 'Music Oracle' Chari (ZimSphere).
Here's how the critics saw the year 2024 in Zimbabwean hip hop:
The 10 Standout Songs:
Bhimu x Sane Wav
Bhema Bhema x Micky Black ft Holy Ten, Jack Miles, Banks
Boyz Rangu x Bling4 ft Runna Rulez
Penge Lenge x Bagga ft Kayflow, Nisha Ts
Ray's Insomnia x RayKaz
Vanhu Ava x Wes The Rapper
Takupananga naSamanyanga x Holy Ten ft Jnr Spragga
Dumb Sh!t x Runna Rulez
Dai Muripo x Bagga
Manake x Kayflow
The 5 Albums Everyone Should've Heard:
Musoro weNzou
After a social media storm that resulted in DJ Ollah7 being arrested and Holy Ten's album launch being mostly a family affair, the rapper went silent to find himself. The product of that silence was 'Musoro weNzou,' one of his best works ever. Unfortunately after this the rapper lost himself again.
Those Around Me Tape
Throughout all the seasons of the Kazzy calendar, from the dual masks of Anxious Confidence, to the hardcore rapping of Zodie, there have always been whispers of The Tape. Anyone who encountered RayKaz’s music since his debut EP has, in both subtle references and declared announcements, heard about the Those Around Me Tape and has waited years for it to drop. Finally, TAMT dropped and, dare we say it, it’s a masterpiece.
PANA MWINGA
A storyteller with a knack for interpolation, the rapper's Valentine's Day release, PANA MWINGA, is an ode to love that channels the personal to create the memorable. PANA MWINGA sees Benefit Tanaka having his head in the clouds while remaining grounded. He believes in a forever after but his heart has known chaos and those dreams of eternity may just be another short lived chapter.
The Children Are Always Ours
James Baldwin's famous quote was brought to life musically by MUTSA to great result. Made up of heartfelt lyricism and great storytelling, the 8 track album is one of the best bodies of work from the year. It's the third full length project from the artist and probably his best work yet.
Karvement
Karvment is a coming-of-age project wrapped in pop-laced hip-hop melodies, steeped in a bit of mellow introspection and rhythmic survivalism. The album captures what makes Karville such a compelling figure in Zimbabwe’s new school music scene —potent, masterful hooks and a clear understanding of himself as an artist.
The MVPs:
Runna Rulez
This year in Zimbabwe only 4 things were guaranteed: death, taxes, loadshedding and Runna Rulez excelling on a feature. The daring rapper also released his debut album Skunyu The Conquering Son, a 12 track opus that brought to life the dawn of Zimbabwean rage rap.
Bhanshee
After conquering the world of spoken word a few years ago, Bhanshee turned her talents to creating music. While at first a little rough around the edges, she has certainly come a long way, and 2025 was a true showcase of that constant improvement over the years. Bhanshee released her debut EP I Am, which featured RayKaz. This was quickly followed by her second project S(hee), which had a visual accompaniment that could easily contend for film of the year.
The Rising Stars:
Yadis
After announcing herself on the 2023 Zim Hip Hop Awards Cypher, it was just a matter of time before Yadis truly made her mark on the genre. Although fans had to wait, the wait was certainly worth it as the rapper dropped her debut EP Ndakusasa, and prominently featured on Shoko Festival's MaShoko Tapes Vol. 2. The rapper easily made a case for one of the year's MVPs.
Sane
Propelled by an understanding of bounce, both as producer USADARO, and as a rapper, Sane Wav was undoubtedly the hip hop scene's fastest rising name. From performances, to visuals, and consistent releases, Sane Wav has clear of his peers and arguably even the year's MVP.
Hooksmith
In 2025 Hooksmith had a pen that held true for the old adage, "The pen is mightier than the sword." In addition to regular freestyle releases, the rapper dropped a 3 track EP titled TREBL3, and had his most memorable moment on Yadis' "Kepele."
Briza
In some ways embodying the spirit of Donne Jovi, Briza was ever ready to trade words on wax and took on the entire city of Bulawayo just for fun. The rapper made his Shoko Festival debut, featured on the festival's MaShoko Tapes Vol. 2 and released his debut EP. Although some what abrasive of character, his talent isn't up for argument.
Underground Sensation:
Benefit Tanaka
The self proclaimed "New Takura," and a rapper never short of confidence, Benefit Tanaka released his third album PANA MWINGA, a brilliantly composed dedication to the love of his life and one of the albums of the year. On the underground scene few came close to delivering such brilliance.
The Genre's Most Important Moments
Sane Wav finally releasing "Bhimu
After 6 months of teasing the song, with ever increasing social media attention, Sane Wav finally released the track "Bhimu," and instantly his career took off like a rocket. The sound was unique, and almost every line a quotable, while still maintaining high scores on musicality, "Bhimu" wasn't just a single but a cultural shift.
Bling4 launching his debut album
After an almost 4 year long wait, the self proclaimed 4th member of Zim hip-hop's heavyweights delivered his debut album Hossana. The project was launched at a sold out Aquatic Complex, which not only spoke Bling4's growing stature as an artist but Zim hip-hop's earning potential.
Kulture Kontrol
OCD has been a constant presence in Zim hip-hop conversations this year. From their prolific releases, to regular events that have excelled at spreading Zim hip-hop's influence among the masses, and none among these were as important as the Kulture Kontrol Festival. The festival featured rising names on the South African hip hop scene in Kindlynash, Wordz, and Mashbeatx, while also hosting a recording camp in the build up to the event.
Kwela Initiative
At the beginning of the year Asaph brought together the city of Bulawayo to talk about the local music scene and how best to move it forward as artists. From consultations that included city officials and music professionals, the project grew to include a compilation album that showcased the best of Bulawayo's talent.
15 Years of Shoko Festival
Zimbabwe's longest running festival of urban culture, celebrated 15 years of existence this year. Running under the theme "The Legacy," the event was headlined by legendary producer Take Fizzo and on stage he celebrated his own 2 decades in music. The producer was joined by urban grooves legends, while a slew of new stars also performed. Shoko Festival has been one of the biggest platforms supporting Zim hip-hop throughout the years.