Bulawayo artistes roped into Nama

The Nama venue was secured after the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (Nacz) paid in full the money that the Bulawayo City Council required before use of the hall.

The Bulawayo organising taskforce had asked the city fathers to avail both the large and small city hall for the national event for free, but were denied their wish.

Performers on the night include, Willis Wattafi, Umkhathi Theatre arts, Siyaya arts, IYASA, Simunye Simunye, Anti-virus Dance Crew, Break Equation, Umdumo Wesizwe, Family Voices and Outfit Band among others. Performers from the capital and elsewhere in the country will be kept as a surprise for fans on the night of the event.

IYASA, Simunye, Siyaya and other dance groups will perform as an ensemble, presenting one choreographed dance piece.

In an interview, coordinator of the taskforce charged with organising this year’s ceremony, Jomo Mhone, allayed fears that Bulawayo artistes would be sidelined from performing in this year’s ceremony. Social media had been awash over the past week with reports that they would be no artistes from the host city performing on the night.

“I am sure this list puts to bed the allegations that we were going to sideline Bulawayo artistes from the ceremony. Contrary to popular belief, the stages of this year’s Namas will be graced by a lot of Bulawayo musicians. The list speaks for itself as the majority of artistes set to perform are from here,” he said.

Monhe said that the MCs for the ceremony were yet to be confirmed, as they first had to consult with other interested parties.

“We are yet to confirm the hosts for the ceremony because we still have to consult with other relevant stakeholders. As soon as everything is sorted we will let the public know who will be steering the reins come Saturday night,” he said.

Harare-based musician, Willis Wataffi promised fireworks for his performance on Saturday, saying he will give a performance befitting the first ever edition of the Namas to be held in the City of Kings. He said fans should expect an explosive medley of some of his best songs.

“I think because this year’s ceremony is being held in Bulawayo, it inspires me to bring my best. This is something that the city, not just me, has been waiting for and I am pleased to say that Khaya music will be bringing nothing but fireworks for Saturday performance,” he said.

Member of Antivirus Dance Crew, Ricco Andrews said the crew was proud to be associated with a national brand like the Namas. He said they wanted to enhance the city and their own growing reputation on the dance scene.

“We promise a smashing performance for Saturday because we want to justify all the praise that we got last year while also showing that we deserve even more,” he said.