Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
ALL roads lead to the Hippodrome tomorrow for the 23rd edition of the National Arts Merit Awards.
Running under the theme “Afrofuturism,” the line-up features a diverse mix of performers, including Jah Prayzah, Hwinza, Nisha Ts, Oriyano, Shashl, Atenda Chinx, Bagga, Sylent Nqo, Probeatz, Misheck Mahendere, Joyful Praise Choir, The Choice Children’s Choir and Denilson the Saxophonist.
NAMA collaborated with Moto Moto Festival in Cologne, Germany, and the winner of this year’s Outstanding Breakthrough Artist (Music) award will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at the Moto Moto Festival in July 2025.
The nominees for the award are Nisha T, Chillmaster and Young Gemini.
Nombulelo Mhlongo, widely known for her role as Sne in the South African TV drama Durban Gen, is set to attend the awards ceremony.
Organisers of the event said all is set for the big day.
This year’s event and theme explores the future of Zimbabwe’s art.
He said they have chosen to use young acts to perform as they are the future of the entertainment industry.
“Everything is now in place and we wait for the big day tomorrow.
“NAMA is for the people and we want to give it the best so we’re trying to explore all the options we can find to give people the best experience they can ever have so you can rest assured that you enjoy
“The theme Afrofuturism, it’s about the future of Africa and we have seen some of American movies which depict what, maybe 100 years in the future, will look like.
“So, we are trying to imagine what art will be like in the future,” said one of the organisers.
Mathew Masinge