SEVERAL Livingstone-based musicians and journalists last Friday won different awards during the Second Shinaika Media and Arts Awards held at Zambia Air force (ZAF) Mess.

The awards, which were mainly sponsored by Zambezi Nkuku, attracted several musicians as well as journalists and other entertainers in the tourist capital.

In the music category, the Best Gospel song was won by a musician Joyce, while the Best Traditional song was won by Riberiah.

The Best Contemporary song was won by Shyman Shaizo, while the Best Socially Conscious Song went to JM and K C Flexer won the Best Musical Video.

In the media category, Muvi TV senior reporter Oswald Yambani II won two awards namely the Idah Chifofoma Cultural heritage award as well as the Silumesii health and Vitality award. Another Muvi TV reporter Temwani Tindwa won the David Mesa Excellence award, while Peter Mwase won the Best Television Presenter.

Zambezi FM Radio's Elias Limwanya won the Best Radio Presenter award. Shinaika Media and Arts Awards proprietor Namakau Kashempa said her entity was committed to promoting the two industries.

Namakau said she was happy that the 2nd Shinaika Media and Arts awards were a success and thanked all those who won.

"Our aim is to enhance and promote the media and music industry. We believe a supported industry promotes healthy competition that benefits the media, musicians and the society at large," Namakau said.

This year's awards saw Zambezi Nkuku come on board and offered 10 trees that would be planted in honour of the 10 winners of the 2013 awards.

Zambezi Nkuku, which is one of the largest chicken producers in Livingstone, also bought 100 tickets and distributed them to various individuals and stake holders.

"We believe this is a partnership that will yield much more benefits to the community. We also thank Airtel Zambia who assisted in hosting the event and I hope they will be able to do more next year," she

said.

Speaking at the same function, National Arts Council (NAC) Southern Province arts advisory committee chairperson artists Buster Tembo thanked the organisers of Shinaika Media and Arts awards for

appreciating the talent of local musicians.

Buster urged musicians to get involved in preparations for the 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly to be held later this month.

He further said the Southern Province NAC chapter to ensure that every artiste was educated on the recently introduced holograms.

"We want to gather all members of Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) in Southern Province at one place and educate them on holograms.

For you to put your music on music on the market, you will not be able to see your music without a hologram mark on your CD and musical products," Buster said.

Livingstone Press Club secretary Edwin Mbulo commended the organisers of the Shinaika Media and Arts Awards for partnering with the club to host this year's awards.