adminUrban Beats with Nkosilathi Sibanda
TONIGHT is the night! What else are the artistes talking about besides tonight’s National Arts Merit Awards (Nama)?
Do not find yourself conversed in other stories lest you lose out on the outdated. It is about who will steal the show and who goes home empty handed.
In past days we all have said the boring greetings punch line of asking about the rains, floods and farming. What can you expect people to talk about — it’s the rainy season after all. Faces glow in anticipation of bumper harvests.
The slim bodies of my kind cannot wait to feel “fat” for the first time in their lives. Laugh you would at some urbanites who talk of harvesting yet they do not have a farm. Politics of the stomach at play there.
So, what is this got to do with urban beats? I bet you are asking this as you read, I presume.
Just like the expectant farmer, this is the artistes’ moment of harvest.
Even the lazy are necessary cheer leaders at harvest time.
But, this time, let us think of our musicians as these happy, hardworking farmers. Having sat long hours at the recording studio, doing countless concerts trying to woo an audience deserves an accolade.
The Nama sound more like the harvest season. Musicians and their friends in other art genres will harvest tonight. Some will reap more awards (with Jah Prayzah in mind).
The truth is that the chosen few in the nominees list spent time sowing the musical seed that germinated to become a wonder.
Tonight will just be a cap to the bumper yield.
The fans are more like cheer leaders, who will celebrate and enjoy in the harvest of the artiste. For what is a celebration without the people that support you through thick and thin times?
Even the lazy are necessary cheer leaders at harvest time.
In the entertainment business when an artiste has achieved we say “Give that boy a Bells”. How else will they pop the champagne and the whiskey without the fan?
To every musician today, let us celebrate Jeys Marabini, Selmor Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah and Mathias Mhere’s achievements.
In Africa the whole village revels in an individual’s success. Such is the culture. The shortlisted musicians will agree they owe the Nama accomplishment to the multitudes of fans and fellow singers and players of instruments.
These artistes made us dance all year. Now it’s their turn.
It is humane to share in the success of achievers!
This is what will happen from 7PM onwards. As the winners climb on stage, most of us on the floor will be ululating, clapping all in the name of celebration.
There is no harm in being a cheer leader. It makes sense to applaud your idol — thats what makes entertainment great.
Tonight the venue is a hotel, far from the madding fans. When the Nama came to Bulawayo last year the fans had a feel of it. The stars walked on the red carpet as fans watched from a distance.
For Bulawayo it was Hollywood coming to town. We had never witnessed such grand a moment. It was held in the Large City Hall, with a giant screen beaming the televised event. Fans grouped up and blocked Leopold Takawira Street.
This is what attains in major entertainment capitals. Fans are given their space to congratulate their stars and share in that moment (hoping this time there is a provision for that).
Musicians are not complete without the fan.
Many in the urban movement will attest that in 2013, the Nama brought a shift in the way we consume local entertainment products. After years of having to watch the grand event from Harare, the complaining hit a low.
Bulawayo was rekindled and musicians and artistes from this part of the country felt honoured.
In giving the Nama organisers thumbs up for making Bulawayo proud, we note a disturbing factor though.
Something is not quite right. The Nama should be more than just a one day wonder. If they really mean to promote culture, then Bulawayo should have experienced a carnival atmosphere the whole week.
As you read this piece, few know what is taking place at Rainbow hotel tonight. Some will bump into the live programming on Ztv — if that promise is fulfilled.
I did not see anything close to advertising the Nama, save for newspaper and radio stories. The last edition was better off, maybe because it was a first for Bulawayo.
Oh that’s a shame!
From what we see in other award ceremonies the world over, the Nama are an exception. My concern is about the lack of a ways to involve the fans and bring them closer to the awards which makes their stars shine.
Why not let Bulawayo be the home of the Nama. Make Bulawayo the Tinseltown of the Zimbabwe.
It is an undisputed fact that Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s cultural hub. It sounds good to have the city stage the Nama for eternity.
Last week we hit a parting shot asking what it takes to get nominated to the grand awards. The gurus in the industry said its simple: “Just submit an entry”.
Tonight is Nama night!
Online Reporter