Leroy Gopal returns as host for ZimAchievers SA
SOUTH African-based Zimbabwean actor Leroy Gopal has been picked for the third time to host the eighth edition of the Zimbabwean Achievers Awards (ZAA) show to be held this Saturday at the Indaba Hotel Spa and Conference Centre in Fourways, Johannesburg.
The (ZAA) is a global-leading, independent organisation that was founded in 2010 by Conrad Mwanza and recognises, rewards and celebrates the successes and achievements of Zimbabweans living abroad, in industries or sectors that include business, art, sport, entertainment and music.
The ZAA has become a pre-eminent organisation that is present in several countries including the UK, South Africa, the US and Australia.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, Gopal said he was happy to be retained to host the awards show.
“It is a great honour to host the ZAA SA edition for a third time in a row,” he said. “For me, three must be my lucky number on the back of also having hosted the National Arts Merit Awards, thrice.
“I say #bestMCever must be doing something right with the mic. Fans can expect an evening of celebrating our fellow Zimbabweans making waves in their respective industries, good fun, and one thing ZAA has always got right is the glitz and glam.”
Asked how his career has been, the “Yellow Card” actor said it has been a tough year in entertainment thus far.
“The struggle for good funding for projects is very real and the balance of being on screen to behind the scenes has been a worthwhile challenge. As creatives, we always have something cooking,” he said.
Mwanza said all was set for a night of celebration, glitz and glamour as the (ZAA) announced Gopal as host and African Chrome Fields as a headline partner for the prestigious event.
“The award-winning actor and MC will be steering proceedings as the ZAA South Africa marks its 8th edition of recognising and honouring outstanding Zimbabwean achievements in South Africa,” he said.
“We are thrilled to announce that all is set for the ZAA Awards Dinner Gala and people can expect another memorable night of celebrating Zimbabwean excellence. We can also confirm that Leroy Gopal will be bringing his unique take as the host along with a stellar line-up of performers for the entertainment.”
Known for his breakthrough role as Tiyane in the hit movie Yellow Card, Gopal has crafted a successful career as an actor, radio host, MC and voice-over artiste and a leading man in showbiz.
“We are also pleased to unveil African Chrome Fields as our headline sponsor for this event,” he said.
“Their investment and contributions to Zimbabwe as a key player in the mining industry resonates perfectly with our mission to unearth Zimbabwe gems and talent and celebrate them on a global scale.”
Mwanza said that the black tie event first made its entrance on the South African social calendar in 2018 and has continued to grow in the ZAA global family to become one of the most subscribed chapters in the organisation.
“This year’s edition is tipped to be the biggest jamboree in the South African edition with several eminent people and organisations up for recognition,” he said.
“The entertainment will be headlined by top acts including Gary Beatz, who has worked with stars like Patoranking and Gigi Lamayne, set to thrill with a throwback mix of Zimbabwean legends such as Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.
“RnB artiste and instrumentalist Mic Nash, DJ Billy Chan, and the dynamic duo of IrieDread and Abra Simz who hold the Sound Clash Title, will also bring fireworks to the event.” Mwanza highlighted that the 8th ZAA South Africa Awards Dinner Gala is sponsored by mining giant ACF, a leading global supplier of chrome concentrate with extensive investment in Zimbabwe including a state-of-the-art processing facility in the Midlands.