ZIFF, TRACE Mziki introduce the East African music video award category

This was announced through a press release sent by ZIFF, stating that the award for best video will not only celebrate East African artists but also the behind-the-scenes teams that make these videos possible. For several years, ZIFF has recognized that music videos are, in fact, short films and should be treated as such within the confines of the film festival.

“this award is a way to promote storytelling development in music videos and encourage the skills of producers and directors who might start out with music videos and then find their way towards feature length films. Recent film like Oscar winning “La La Land” shows how much music and dance are part of the history of cinema.” ZIFF Festival Director, Fabrizio Colombo, pointed out in a press statement.

“The partnership with ZIFF to start this category, coinciding with the festival’s 20th anniversary, was a no brainer. The category will further cement our long-standing goal to not only improve the quality of music videos, but also to recognize the people who work to make this possible. The creation of this category is indeed as timely as it is important, and as TRACE we will inject the high standards in music video selection that has propelled TRACE MZIKI to its number one status.” TRACE CEO for Eastern Africa, Steve Agutu, said in a press release.

A panel of judges from the TRACE Mziki selection committee will select the final nominees from all videos submitted and these videos will be screened throughout the festival ahead of the main evening’s show in the Old Fort Amphitheatre. A final winner will be announced on the closing night of the Festival.

ZiIFF pointed out that, all East African artists, as well as video producers and directors are encouraged to submit their videos. The deadline for submission is 30th May 2017.