Countdown to Nama begins. . . Public nominations close February 5

THE countdown to this year’s National Arts Merit Awards (Namas) is officially underway, with anticipation reaching fever pitch.

Organisers, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and event managers, Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC), have invited submissions for the coveted People’s Choice Award category.

Event organisers said the People’s Choice Award is one of Namas most special awards.

“It’s the only one where the people of Zimbabwe get to choose who they believe is most deserving of the accolade. Zimbabwean artistes from all genres (song, dance, theatre, literature, spoken word, comedy, visual arts, television and radio) can be nominated for the People’s Choice Award.

“Nominations will close on the 5th of February, after which the top five nominees will be announced.”

The ceremony, set to take place on March 1, marks a slight change in tradition, as it shifts from the usual last Saturday of February.

An insider from NACZ explained the reasoning behind the date change.

“Everybody knows that we usually have the Namas on the last Saturday of February, but since that falls on the 22nd this year, it would be too early. Therefore, we’ve opted for March,” the source said.

The theme for this year’s awards, “Afrofuturism,” aims to envision the future of the local arts sector over the next century.

Tinashe Kitchen from JCMC elaborated on this exciting theme.

“We want to showcase our vision for what the arts local sector will look like 100 years from now. Our images, our red carpet and our presentation will celebrate all these elements and more.”

In a significant development for the arts community, last year, NACZ executive director Napoleon Nyanhi confirmed that this will be the final year that JCMC curates the annual award ceremony, paving the way for new management and fresh ideas in the coming years. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu