DAR ES SALAAM: THE National Arts Council (Basata), the Tanzania Film Board and Hapawards from the United States have announced that over 30 categories will be contested by African music, film and fashion artists in the eighth season of HapaAwards 2023, which will be held in Dar es Salaam on August 10.
This will be the eighth year for these awards, but it is the first time they are being held on the African continent, with Tanzania as the host.
Among the categories, there are 11 for music, five for fashion, one for the best presenter and 16 for film.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam recently, Basata’s Executive Secretary Dr Kedmon Mapana said the arrival of these awards is due to the government’s opening of doors for international collaboration.
“When we met in Hollywood, USA, they told us they wished for these awards to be held in Africa and we suggested why not Tanzania. The climax will be in California, USA, in October, but they said there would be a smaller selection in Tanzania,” he added.
“We welcomed this opportunity and one of our main goals is to build, empower and provide a platform for our artists to gain international recognition. Therefore, processes have taken place and there will be four judges from the USA and three from Tanzania.”
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Co-Founder of the awards, Amberr Washington, thanked the cooperation shown by the government through Basata and the Film Board for allowing the awards to be held in the country.
Some of the categories are Best Emerging Bongo Fleva Artist, Best Dance Music Artist, Best Singeli Music Artist, Best Taarab Artist, Best Gospel Music Artist, Best Traditional Music Artist and Best Rapper.
In fashion, there will be awards for Best Female Model, Best Male Model and Best Designer. The Film Board Director Emanuel Ndumukwa listed the film categories as Best Drama, with competing entries including Juakali, Huba, Kombolela, Bunji and Ezra.
Additionally, there will be awards for Best Director, Best Documentary, Best Drama Actor, Best TV Entertainer and more. There will also be categories for the best American artists in various fields such as Best Comedian, Best Actor, Best Film and others.
