HARARE – Urban Grooves pioneering star Rockford “Roki” Josphat is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement honorary award at this year’s Changamire Festival Awards in celebration of his contributions to the country’s music industry.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Long Cheng Plaza in Belvedere, Harare on April 12.
According to the Changamire Festival Awards director Jackson Muchechetere, it is important to appreciate the great work done by artists when they are still alive.
“Roki is a music legend and no one can dispute that. He has been in the industry for over 20 years, giving us hit after hit.
“He has also done many collaborations with other artists sharing his talents and skill.
“We want to run away from this culture whereby people are given flowers when they are gone.
“For example, Soul Jah Love was a pioneer of Zimdancehall who was supposed to be appreciated while he was alive.
“So, we want to recognise people who have contributed towards the industry and honour them.”
The talented chanter rose to fame in 2001 when he featured in Leonard Mapfumo’s hit song, Seiko.
Some of the songs that gained him popularity include Suzanna, Chidzoka, Ayawo and Dandaro amongst many others.
In 2003, he received a National Arts Merit Award for being most promising artist and in 2017.
His song, Chidzoka won best video and song of the year.
