Historic wins highlight Nama awards

Maria Chiguvari

DESPITE the perceived shortcomings or waning public interest in the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), the 23rd edition, held on March 1 in Harare, offered a moment of celebration.

A new record was set!

Nine-year-old Sikhanyiso Ngwenya became the highlight of the night, winning the Outstanding Actor award.

Affectionately known as Ska, the Victoria Falls-based  actor is now the youngest recipient of a Nama award for his role as Rise in the short film “Rise”, where he starred alongside Hollywood’s Tongayi Chirisa.

Ngwenya competed against John Mabuyane, who played Tembani Dube in “Inkaba”; and Tapiwa Mavindidze, who portrayed Tawanda in “Nhoroondo”.

The previous record was held by Onald Gwiriri, who landed the Outstanding Children’s Book award in 2022 at the age of 10.

Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, family and community celebrate the win in Victoria Falls.

Gwiriri, who resides in Damview Park, Macheke, wrote “The Cursing Tortoise” when he was eight years old and it was recognised at the 20th edition of the awards ceremony.

“As a parent, it is an honour to have a child who makes you feel proud. All the way from Victoria Falls, my son has brought us to one of the biggest stages in the arts. This award will go a long way for him,” said Sikhanyiso’s mother, Rumbidzai Chikamhi.

“Rise” is a 25-minute production that powerfully conveys its setting through striking visuals. It was directed by Jessica Rowlands and produced by Joe Njagu, based on the true story of Tobius Mupfuti.

“We have managed to help him balance his schoolwork and acting career. He has coaches who guide him. We are thankful to Nama for recognising our son. It is an honour and humbling at the same time,” she added.

Meanwhile, it appears it was a night of firsts, as Voltz JT’s “N.O.P Makoni” was named Outstanding Album, a first for a Zimbabwean hip-hop project.

Killer T won his first-ever Nama award for “Kana Ndanyura”, which was adjudged Song of the Year.

However, the chanter was not present to collect his accolade, having previously disassociated himself from the event.

But there were glaring glitches the organisers need to address in future Nama editions. It was disturbing to note that many winners were absent. Some did not even send representatives to collect their awards.

There was also the issue of the “hyperactive” Nabeelah Jogee, who co-hosted the event with Charlene Mangweni-Furusa.

While the organisers showed improvement in using a teleprompter, ensuring a well-structured presentation, Jogee’s hosting skills, particularly for such a significant event, left many uneasy.

Her exaggerated energy and perceived lack of elegance seemed to annoy many.

Jogee’s poor connection with the crowd, coupled with other missteps like the poor selection of performing artistes and the absence of several nominees , were a major distraction.

To their credit, Nama organisers have, over the years, built a reputation for being at the epicentre of youth culture and for helping market previously unheralded talent.

However, much work remains to be done on the part of upcoming artistes. Only a few, such as Oriyano, managed to rise to the occasion.

The rising singer captivated the audience after performing just three of his songs.

Other performers included Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Nisha Ts, Hwinza, Bagga, Joyful Praise, Sylent Nqo, Denilson, ProBeatz, Jah Prayzah, and Atenda Chinx.

Many people appeared not to understand the event’s theme, “Afrofuturism”, and thus failed to embrace it.

Afrofuturism is generally defined as a way of looking at the future and alternate realities through a Black cultural lens. However, a quick survey of the attending crowd was telling.

The red carpet was poorly represented, as many of the so-called socialites arrived late.

Nama awards honour outstanding achievements in various fields of the arts, recognising the talent, creativity and contributions of artistes, performers and cultural practitioners across the country.