More questions than answers still exist, after local renowned reggae artist Shufflers Ragimana failed to show up to receive his first prize during the Vhembe District Arts and Culture Council prize-giving ceremony at Thohoyandou Town Hall recently.

Disappointment could be read on the faces of a jubilant group of fans who were there to cheer their role model when he was due to receive his honour.

"How can the Vhembe District Arts and Culture honour me without my knowledge? I only heard it in the streets that they were going to hold an award ceremony, but I was never invited. How can I attend a function without being invited? I am sorry if I have disappointed my fans, but I put all my blame on the organizers of the award ceremony for messing up the arrangements," said the visibly disappointed Shufflers.

Shufflers shot into stardom when he released his debut album, Vhutshilo, five years ago. The hit song Ndi nga na nda fa made him an instant hero and was featured in the first place of the SABC Phalaphala FM Top 20 hits for three weeks. His legacy continued with the release of his latest offering Vha khou vhonwa, which has easily penetrated into the tough musical market.

Mirror has also learnt that there were several artists who did not show up to receive their awards during the function.

Vhembe District Arts and Culture Council’s Public Relations Officer Rapson Rammbuwani confirmed that there were artists who did not show up to receive their awards during the function. "I understand that there might have been a communication breakdown between the council and the artists, but it did not have any bad effect on the awards. The ceremony went on smoothly and it lived up to its expectations."