ABSENCE OF MANY WINNERS TAKES GLOSS OFF NAMA

Maria Chiguvari

THE National Arts Music Awards (NAMA) is the most prestigious arts event in the country.

But this year’s occasion fell well short of expectations.

It looked low-key at best and lukewarm at worst. The Harare Hippodrome did not attract the huge crowd that should be associated with such a prestigious event.

Many of the artists did not even show up for the event and many of them sent representatives to collect their awards.

Winky D’s awards, including the People’s Choice award, were not collected by anyone.

It appears a lot of artists have lost respect for the NAMAs.

Many of them choose to perform at various shows rather than to grace the NAMA ceremony.

The NAMA ceremony is a celebration of outstanding achievements in various fields of the arts, recognising talent, creativity, and contributions of artists, performers and cultural practitioners across the country.

The red carpet was not well represented as most socialites arrived late.

There were some fine performances, though, on the night.

Oriyano left the crowd asking for more, Nisha T’s performance was a good one while Jah Prayzah’s produced a fine performance consistent with his brand.

The other performers were Shashl, Atenda Chinx, Bagga, Sylent Nqo, Probeatz, Misheck Mahendere, Joyful Praise Choir, The Choice Children’s Choir and Denilson the Saxophonist.

Below is the full list of winners:

1. Dance Awards

Outstanding Female Dancer: Celine Madziva in Respect My team

Outstanding Male Dancer: Tichaona “Hero’’ Chikara in into the light

Outstanding Dance Group/Production: Khaya Arts Productions in UniAfrica

Outstanding Choreographer: Future Dube – Khaya Arts Productions

2. Visual Arts Awards

Outstanding Male Visual Artist: Moffat Takadiwa

Outstanding Female Visual Artist: Portia Zvavahera

Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist: Kundai Nathan

Outstanding Exhibition: 6th Venice Biennale by Various Artists curated by Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa

3. Spoken Word Awards

Outstanding Poet: Kudakwashe Rice

Outstanding Social Media Skits: Panashe Gurende aka Moojaya

Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian: Mukudzei Majoni aka King Kandoro

4. Theatre Awards

Outstanding Actress: Caroline Mashingaidze Zimbizi as Tete Sabina in Family Riots

Outstanding Actor: Michael Kudakwashe as Sidney in Family Riots Outstanding Theatrical ProductionTh: Thee Aftermath by Patsimeredu Trust

Outstanding Director: Everson Ndlovu – Haywire

Outstanding Playwright: Leonard Matsa – Promise

5. Literary Arts Awards

Outstanding First Published Work: Zagamo the war within by Ray Mawerera, Published by Royalty Books

Outstanding Children’s Book: Chimbira nedzimwe ngano by Primrose Dzenga Published by Torch Bearers Trust Books

Outstanding Fiction Book: Weeping Tomato by Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure Published by Carnelian Hearts Limited

Outstanding Non-Fiction Book: Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy by Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula PhD Published by Divine Simbi-Ndlukula(PhD)

6. Film & Television Awards

Outstanding Actress: Munashe Goromonzi as Tsitsi in The November Promise

Outstanding Actor: Skanyiso Ngwenya as Rise in Rise

Outstanding Music Video: Nhemamusasa by Bagga Directed by Leopold Tapiwa Vengesa aka Leoy V

Outstanding Screen Production (Television): The DNA Show by Tinashe Mugabe

Outstanding Screen Production (Short film): Dollar by Tawanda Vombo

Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length film): Nhoroondo by Vusa Hlatshwayo

7. Music Awards

Outstanding Female Musician: Thamsanqa Moyo aka Tamy Moyo

Outstanding Male Musician: Hillary Marufu aka Master H

Outstanding Breakthrough Musician: Gift Kudakwashe Hombarume aka Chill Master

Outstanding Music Group: The Unveiled