Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Senior Lifestyle Writer
From November to mid-April, Zimbabwe experiences a vibrant awards season dominated by celebrities and their glamorous galas.
During this time, top celebrities frequently capture media attention, not only for their fashion choices but also for their reactions after winning or losing awards.
Public outrage, mishaps by event organisers and controversies surrounding perceived bias in award outcomes often ignite heated discussions.
The results of these celebrity awards galas are notorious for dividing opinion, and in our era of technological revolution, social media trolls eagerly seize the opportunity to weigh in.
This phenomenon extends beyond Zimbabwe; similar dynamics play out at award shows worldwide. Love it or hate it, this season always generates conversation.
Just this past Sunday, Kanye West and his wife, Bianca Censori, made headlines with a daring outfit that left little to the imagination.
Since we borrow a lot from the West and other overseas nations when it comes to organising awards, there is no way we can afford to ignore the Grammys.
Last Sunday, Kanye West, who is no stranger to controversy, was at it again.
According to the Economic Times newspaper, Kanye West and his wife walked the red carpet wearing an inappropriate dress that was “completely transparent,” according to reports.
Like any other awards, last Sunday’s 67th Grammys in Los Angeles had its talking points.
One of them was Beyoncé, whose “Cowboy Carter” album earned her both the Best Country Album and Album of the Year.
Being the most decorated winner in Grammy history, she also set a good record with 11 nominations.
A role model to millions globally, Beyoncé deservedly won the awards as the world endorsed the diva for her true musicianship.
Not to be outdone is Kendrick Lamar, who won five Grammys, including Best Music Video, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year, all for his hit “Not Like U.” Locals can easily learn from Lamar that it only takes hard work and consistency for one to make it to the top.
Stage managers should have learned one or two things from this year’s 97th Grammy Awards since everything was lit.
For South Africa and the continent, history was made as comedian Trevor Noah hosted the Grammys for the fifth consecutive time, according to The Recording Academy.
His feat is a clear indication that consistency and versatility pay off for creatives who value their craft.
Of course, awards are known for splitting opinion, but they always generate a lot of debate.
Back home, the country’s biggest newspaper, The Herald, set the tone in December last year after the stable honoured the country’s unsung heroes and heroines in our communities.
This was made possible at the inaugural Herald Community Heroes Awards, which honoured outstanding people from 10 provinces.
A brainchild of The Herald Editor Victoria Ruzvidzo, it was a marvel to watch community heroes and heroines being rewarded.
This was the first time a local publication held such awards, which have been endorsed as a triumph. The general setup at the awards was up to scratch as the event organisers nailed it.
The lighting, stage setup, and general flow of the event were befitting of the occasion.
Being an annual event, expectations are very high that this year’s edition will break records with more outstanding characters in the back of beyond set to be honoured.
Last week, The Zim Community Trailblazers Awards took centre stage at Rainbow Towers, which has become their ceremonial home.
More than 70 awards were won at the ceremony, which lived up to expectations.
Notably, the renowned Imbube outfit Black Umfolosi, led by Sotsha Moyo, was rewarded for their consistency as Zimbabwe’s cultural ambassador.
Famed for their song “Unity,” the award, which coincided with The Zim Community Trailblazers Awards’ fifth anniversary, was also embraced by many as a success.
Moyo, who has been holding at least two international tours per year since 1990, could not hide his elation.
“I have won other awards previously, but this one was a bit special to us because it came at a time when locals are now appreciating us. We are in demand overseas, and we have been waiting for this moment. We enjoyed everything about the awards and thank the organisers,” said Moyo in appreciation of the award.
As the season gets into full throttle, March will be busier both locally and internationally.
Since local event organisers are learning from pioneering international event planners, the 97th Academy Awards, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), will take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
Commonly referred to as the Oscars, gongs will be awarded in 23 categories released in 2024. For players in the film industry in Zimbabwe, they will certainly follow them religiously.
Film is a billion-dollar industry that has captured the attention of the world.
And Zimbabwe, with its top players in this sector like Danai Gurira, Arnold Chirisa and Chipo Chung making big strides in Hollywood movies, will certainly see filmmakers following the Oscars.
The mother of all celebrity awards in Zimbabwe is no doubt the National Arts Merit Awards.
Known for its fair share of criticism, controversy, and surprises, the event organisers seem to be improving with each edition.
The 23rd NAMAs, set for Harare at a venue to be announced on February 12, have all the ingredients of a thriller.
The gala, hosted by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in conjunction with Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC), is tipped to be a distinctive celebration of pure talent and class, according to event organisers.
Early this week, NACZ communications and marketing manager Agga Nyabinde shared how preparations are progressing and assured fans of a fun-filled event.
He assured fans that they would be treated to a brand-new dance ensemble scouted by their team. “We conducted auditions for the dancers, so a lot of talent was identified.
“Some were individuals who were not even part of a particular group. It’s just a consolidation to create a new dance group meant for the 23rd NAMA edition. We created a new act and ensemble, not by hiring one dance group, but by identifying different talented dancers to form one group dedicated to the NAMA awards,” he said.
He also won the hearts of many after he announced that vendors would also get vending stalls.
However, fans will be mainly concerned about the winners, entertainment value, as well as the general flow of the event.
This is the same period when fashion designers will be showcasing their wares while the red carpet is expected to add glamour.
Of course, we have other awards being held later in the year like the Zimdancehall Awards and Zim Hip Hop Awards, but the November to March period is the busiest one on the calendar.
The drama-laden celebrities’ awards season is also known for its fair share of mixed fortunes.
On a sad note, the Zimbabwe Music Awards, which have become popular with fans, are still in limbo.
There has been talk of rebranding since last year, and many people have been kept guessing. Could this be the end of ZIMA? Only time will tell.
