21st NAMA UNLOCKS DREAMS BUT . . .

Latwell Nyangu

ORGANISERS of the 21st edition of National Merit Awards (NAMA) honoured outstanding artists at the Harare International Conference Centre at the weekend.

This year’s edition ran under the theme “Unlocking Dreams.”

It’s good to honour an artist with a trophy and money or other offers.

An honour only in name is not good enough to unlock a dream.

With all those partners on board, we can do better in honouring all the outstanding artists of the year.

Whoever won, deserved the accolades and the organisers of the event deserve a round of applause for a splendid job.

TIME

Organisers delivered according to script as everything started as early as 7pm and ended exactly at 10.45pm.

Time is a good teacher and NAMA organisers did well on time keeping.

PERFORMANCES

Many have hailed the artists for fine performances although there were remarks that the previous edition was better than this year’s event.

We keep learning with time.

In my view, all the artists performed quite well.

ExQ, Ammara Brown, Juntal, Freeman, Ishan, Holy Ten, Gemma, among other artists, thrilled the fans.

CONTROVERSY

As has become the norm, people questioned how certain artists won at the expense of others.

This debate will always be there whether it’s a good or bad event.

The prizes issues brought mixed feelings with some saying winners should get more than certificates.

Other reports claim some winners were given detergents.

In the Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora category, Tafara Nyatsanza emerged the winner much to the dismay of the audience.

Many expected the gong to go to Shasha, who is based in South Africa.

FASHION

Guests were dressed to kill as they showcase their fashion senses.

Madam Boss’ dress caught the eyes of many as it was exposing the baby bump while Mai TT’s dress also grabbed some attention.

It was Lorraine’s Guyo dress that was met with mixed reactions with some asking her if she wanted to fly.

The dress was nice but it had some wings-like features.

From the fans section, Mhosva dressed like Go Power Rangers.

Robots and flower girls were also visible.

WINNERS

Freeman scored a brace becoming Outstanding male musician
Outstanding album – David & Goliath by Freeman

On his award, Freeman said:

“This is for you maGallis, I really don’t know how to express myself towards this, it feels great to be appreciated for your craft.

“I would like to give thanks to my crew, the management team Watson Kafelapanjila ,Minnox and Michelle Mukaro you guys have been working so hard, my HKD Band crew pese patinoenda kuma shows they always come up with ideas of new songs, thanks family.

“My distributors, Jungle, you always make sure my music reaches most territories. My respect also goes to the National Arts Merit Awards, NAMA thanks for this big recognition not forgetting the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe – NACZ for walking with us all the way, Tinashe Mutarisi, Hatipfeke Junk, this is for you my generals. You are always behind me, pandinodonha, you lift me up. Beyond the borders, I would like to thank Christopher Martin and his crew deyah ina JA thanks family, your contribution made a big difference! All of this is made possible by the Almighty,” he said.

Outstanding Newcomer-Music winner – Tavonga Leo Magombedze (Leo Magozz)
Outstanding Female Musician – Dorcas Moyo

I her acceptance speech, she said: “Moyo wangu unokutendai Mwari. Mashoko anopera, Makandikoshera. This one is for us. Imimi neni, I love you.”

Outstanding artist in the diaspora – Tafara Nyatsanza
Promoter of the year – EXMO Squad
Outstanding female dancer – Ndomupeishe Nothando
Outstanding male dancer – Terrence Kapesa
Outstanding Journalist (Radio Winner) – DJ Ollah 7 (Owen Madondo)

He said: “It’s an honour, this is my first award in my life and I didn’t expect it.”

Outstanding song winner – Fire Emoji by Tavonga Leo Magombedze (Leo Magozz)
Outstanding online media winner – NASHTV
Outstanding Journalist – (Print) – Nyadzombe Nyampenza
Outstanding social media skits winner – Theophilus Chigumira (Mai Kirifodhi)
Outstanding comedian – Mukudzei Kandoro Majoni (King Kandoro)
Outstanding female dancer – Ndomupeishe Chipendo in Teleunga
Outstanding music video – Fight for Me by Mann Friday Directed by Kalai Faye Barlow
Outstanding Journalist (TV) – ZBC’s Collette Musanyera
Outstanding Poet – Obert