N.O.P.MAKONI

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"Voltz JT Shatters Boundaries: ZimHip-Hop’s First NAMA Outstanding Album Winner"  

By Panashe

In a groundbreaking moment for Zimbabwean hip-hop, Voltz JT has etched his name in the history books. On March 1, 2025, at the 23rd National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), the talented rapper became the first ZimHip-Hop artist to win the coveted Outstanding Album award. His album N.O.P Makoni not only outshone some of Zimbabwe’s biggest musical names, including dancehall sensation Freeman and rising star Saintfloew, but it also signaled a new era for the genre, one where ZimHip-Hop can no longer be ignored.

This victory marks a defining moment for ZimHip-Hop, a genre that has long been overshadowed by Zimdancehall and other dominant styles in Zimbabwean music. The fact that two hip-hop albums—N.O.P Makoni and Trap YevaFundisi—were nominated in the Outstanding Album category this year highlights the growing influence and recognition of hip-hop in the country.

@Beth_Jdv
Voltz JT’s success at NAMA builds on his remarkable run at the 2024 ZimHip-Hop Awards, where he bagged three major accolades: Best Song for Mukoma Brian, Best Album for N.O.P Makoni, and the People’s Choice award. These wins helped solidify his position as one of the most influential voices in Zimbabwean hip-hop, and his NAMA achievement further strengthens his legacy in the industry.

In his acceptance speech, Voltz JT thanked his fans, saying, “Ichi ndeche kuN.O.P. Thank you, NAMA awards, for this award, for this motivation. This is proof—this is proof to Hip Hop, to the next Voltz JT, to the next Holy 10, to the next Saintfloew, to the next Bling4, to the next Bagga. This is proof that Zim music is achievable; hazvisi kure kure handiti. So, thank you Mageez ese.”

Interestingly, Voltz JT seemed to have predicted this win in his song Maziso Two from the N.O.P Makoni album, where he raps, “Voltz maGeez long time takamirira NAMA.” His devoted fanbase, known as Mageez, is celebrating this milestone as a testament to the power of persistence and hard work.

Voltz JT with his award

Released in August 2024, N.O.P Makoni has been widely praised for its compelling storytelling, poignant social commentary, and Voltz JT’s ability to connect deeply with everyday Zimbabweans. The album's title is a nod to the public transport routes in Chitungwiza, the artist’s hometown, symbolizing a return to his roots. Tracks like Ma War Vets, Kutidzorera Mashure, and Easy resonated with listeners by addressing themes of struggle, resilience, and the pursuit of ambition.

Voltz JT

Voltz JT’s win at NAMA is not just a personal triumph but also a significant achievement for ZimHip-Hop. The genre has made tremendous strides in recent years, and with both N.O.P Makoni and Saintfloew’s Trap YevaFundisi nominated for Outstanding Album, it’s clear that 2024 was a landmark year for hip-hop in Zimbabwe. These nominations demonstrate that the genre is gaining mainstream acceptance, with artists pushing creative boundaries and introducing fresh perspectives into the local music scene.

Music analysts are optimistic that Voltz JT’s historic win will inspire other ZimHip-Hop artists to reach for similar recognition. This award validates the hard work hip-hop artists have been putting in. We are witnessing a shift in the industry. This moment is expected to inspire other stars like Saintfloew, Bling4, Kayflow, Bagga, and many more, proving that industry success is within their reach.

I wonder drawer rine Gown nemaAwards rakakura seii 

As Voltz JT celebrates this groundbreaking achievement, the ZimHip-Hop community is hopeful that his success will serve as a beacon for other artists looking to claim their place on both the national and international stages. With this win, the future of ZimHip-Hop looks brighter than ever, and N.O.P Makoni’s victory at the NAMA Awards stands as proof that the genre is here to stay.





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