Kuda Rice, a talented Zimbabwean writer and storyteller, has been nominated for the Zimbabwe Hip Hop Awards in the Spoken Word (Poetry) category, a testament to his innovative approach to merging poetry, music, and visual storytelling, creating a unique creative language.

In a heartfelt press statement, Rice expressed his gratitude and honor for his nomination.

“I am deeply honoured to be nominated at this year’s Zim Hip Hop Awards under the Spoken Word (Poetry) category. This recognition arrives at a meaningful moment in my journey, one where poetry, music, and visual storytelling have begun to merge into the creative language I am aiming at fully shaping for myself,” he said.

Rice’s work is rooted in the belief that poetry is a living medium that can transcend boundaries and blend with other art forms.

“My work has always been rooted in a belief that poetry is not just literature; it is a living medium. It can thread itself through music, sit inside film, move with fashion, and still remain true to its spiritual and emotional centre.”

Over the past few years, Rice has been intentional about creating work that reflects this vision, experimenting with spoken word layered over soundscapes, narratives woven into short films, and stories expressed visually as much as they are verbally.

His major goal is to expand the possibilities of modern African storytelling, and this nomination affirms that vision.

“I’m grateful to the Zim Hip Hop Awards for acknowledging the space poetry holds within the culture and for recognising artists who are pushing boundaries,” Rice says.

As he continues creating, across musical projects, film and fashion-driven visual pieces, his hope is to represent a new wave of Zimbabwean creativity; one that is confident, imaginative, spiritually anchored, and unafraid to experiment.

Rice’s nomination is not just a milestone, but also a reminder of the power of spoken word in contemporary music. He is grateful to everyone who has given him a platform, collaborated with him, and believed in his work.

“My biggest gratitude goes out to my mother for, with faith, allowing me to pursue these creative endeavors,” he said.

The Zim Hip Hop Awards will take place on December 12 at Zimbali Gardens in Greendale, Harare, celebrating its 15th edition under the theme: ‘Cultural Estate.’

The event recognises and celebrates excellence in hip hop culture, honoring both pioneers and new voices shaping the future of Zimbabwean hip hop.

As Rice looks to the future, he is excited to see where his creative journey takes him.

“This nomination is not just a milestone; it is fuel for the work yet to come,” he said.