AWA KHIWE, is a Zimbabwean hip-hop artist from Nkayi who is celebrated for her dynamic fusion of traditional Ndebele culture and contemporary rap. She quickly rose to prominence through her high-energy performances and powerful lyricism. Rapping primarily in Ndebele, a language rich with distinctive click sounds, she incorporates traditional attire and cultural motifs into her artistry, earning her the nickname “The Village Girl“ because of her upbringing and unapologetically African aesthetic.Her music fearlessly addresses critical issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, and political injustice.

AWA KHIWE has been recognized internationally as a voice for human rights, with the BBC highlighting her efforts to use hip-hop as a tool for social change. A skilled storyteller and genre-blending performer, her versatility reflects her diverse roots and global experiences.
Following her win as Best Female Hip Hop Artist in Zimbabwe, she released an album with a German record label, Outhere Records. She has since performed in Germany, Belgium, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, Austria,Netherlands and many other places across the globe including The Commonwealth Games and Glastonbury Festival. Her influence continues to grow, with a recent feature on the remix of “Zukunft Pink” by Peter Fox, which was one of the biggest songs in Germany according to MTV.

Despite her international acclaim, AWA KHIWE remains deeply connected to her Zimbabwean roots. She is also a cultural ambassador, activist, and trailblazer for African women in global hip-hop.