STAFF WRITER
Masvingo City-Veteran poet, educator and arts promoter Shephad Chidima has been crowned Best Poet at the Masvingo People’s Choice Awards 3rd Edition, an initiative by Hevoi FM aimed at recognising outstanding talent in the province.
The prestigious awards ceremony was held at the iconic Ubarnlifestyles Hotel on 24 July 2026.
The poetry category featured four nominees: Bernadette Mukova, Kom the Poet, Chidima Shephad, and Millicent Chapwanya. Winners were determined through public voting conducted on Hevoi FM’s social media channel platform. Chidima emerged as the winner, with Millicent Chapwanya taking the position of first runner-up.
Speaking after receiving the award, Chidima, who is the founder of Bikita District based Udzamu Poetry Slam, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Hevoi FM for creating a platform that celebrates and promotes local artists. He also thanked everyone who took their time to vote for him, saying the award was a reflection of the support and confidence the community has shown in his work.
In another remarkable achievement, Chidima, together with three learners from Duma Primary School—Delma Marange, Moreblessing Madhura, and Tinotenda Charamba—visited the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), where they recorded poems under the theme “Lest We Forget” in commemoration of this year’s Heroes Day. The recordings are expected to be broadcast on ZTV.
The learners are members of the Nhapitapi Arts Club, a school arts club chaired by Chidima and supported by Gertrude Musakari and Polite Chimunyemba. Through the club, learners are nurtured and given opportunities to develop and showcase their artistic talents.
Chidima extended his appreciation to the Duma Primary School administration, led by Head Chikosha M, for its unwavering support in promoting learners’ talents and making it possible for the pupils to participate in the ZBC recording.
He concluded by encouraging communities to continue supporting the arts, noting that creative talent has the power to transform lives. He also appealed to parents not to deny their children opportunities to pursue their talents but instead to encourage and nurture them, as today’s young artists have the potential to become tomorrow’s national icons.
The award and the ZBC recording mark another milestone for Chidima and the growing impact of Udzamu Poetry Slam and the Nhapitapi Arts Club in developing young poets and preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
Congratulations to you on winning the Best Poet award. It is a significant achievement, and I wish you continued success as you inspire young poets and promote the arts in Zimbabwe.
