NAMA NEEDS A SHAKE-UP

Maria Chiguvari

THE National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) experience needs improvement, particularly regarding nominee selection and the build-up to the event.

The recent announcement of the 23rd Nama nominees was met with apathy, unlike in previous years when such announcements generated excitement. This lack of public interest in the country’s premier arts event is concerning.

Several factors are contributing to this decline in interest.

One would ask: Has the country’s creative output diminished or are we failing to recognise and support deserving artistes?

The apparent lack of participation by prominent figures like Jah Prayzah, Alick Macheso, Winky D, Aaron Chiundura Moyo, who no longer seem to submit their work, may also be dampening enthusiasm.

Nama, along with the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima), once served as a key indicator of an artiste’s popularity, especially in music.

The rivalries and competition associated with these awards, such as the memorable Alick Macheso and Tongai Moyo contests, generated significant public interest.

Why is this level of excitement absent in other artistic categories today?

The vibrant atmosphere surrounding arts awards ceremonies in countries like South Africa and the United States should serve as an example of what needs to be happening with our Nama event.

According to arts enthusiast Shlyet Mangwiro, “The actual awards night is usually well-executed. However, the events leading up to the ceremony, especially the nominee selection criteria, are widely perceived as flawed. The nominee lists often fail to reflect the true state of the arts scene.”

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), the organisers of the event, are often criticised for the opaque selection process, leaving the public with more questions than answers.

Many had looked forward to an improvement, but those hopes have dwindled.

Critics also cite NACZ’s failure to generate excitement for the event, even on their own social media platforms. 

Last week’s nominee announcement was met with little interest, raising concerns about attendance for the March 1 ceremony in Harare.

Some are even not bothered to find out who will be eventual winners.

While the event itself, as seen last year, undoubtedly possesses glitz and glamour, the overall experience is perceived as unremarkable, leading to widespread apathy.

Critics describe it as monotonous, with the same artistes frequently appearing on the nominees’ list. This year’s only most significant change seems to be the venue.

The nominees’ list lacks diversity. In addition, it closely resembles previous years’ lists.

For example, the People’s Choice Award nominees include Voltz JT, Dorcas Moyo, Mai Kirifodhi (Theophilus Chigumira), Winky D and Master H.

Of these, only Dorcas Moyo and Master H are new entries; the other artistes were nominated in the same category last year. This raises questions about whether the list truly reflects the people’s choice.

Different national radio music chart shows demonstrate that several popular artistes are consistently absent from the Nama nominees’ lists.

“I believe they need active adjudication committees that monitor artistes’ work in specific categories over a set period. Nominees should be selected based not only on submissions but also on merit. Many talented artistes do not submit their work, either because they do not know how or simply choose not to, and their work deserves consideration,” said Trynos Chipere.

The adjudication process began on December 1, 2024.

“This process was based on submitted entries as well as those identified by individual and institutional monitors appointed to track excelling artistes throughout the year (2024),” said the NACZ in a statement.

While veterans in the arts industry acknowledge the event’s positive direction, they emphasise the significant room for improvement.

Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza offered his perspective.

“Everyone on the list deserved their nomination. I applaud Nama for its consistency and for making this a successful event. I congratulate all the nominees; they truly deserve it and winning is a bonus. Our industry is growing daily,” he said.

Despite this, some of the limited interest in this year’s awards likely stems from two highly competitive categories, the People’s Choice Award and the Outstanding Social Media Skits.

The People’s Choice Award could go to any of the nominees, but Winky D enters the competition with an advantage, having won the award a record eight times.

Some believe Winky D has received the award too many times and should either be excluded by the organisers or voluntarily withdraw himself from consideration.

However, Mai Kirifodhi has surprised Nama audiences in the past and enjoys popularity among social media followers, who constitute the majority of voters in this category.

One wonders, however, if Mai Kirifodhi’s character remains as popular as it was a year or so ago. Trending skits also suggest otherwise.

Characters like Comic Elder and Yahya Good Vibes are currently thriving and deserved to be on the nominees’ list, even in the Outstanding Social Media Skits category.

Dorcas Moyo is also a potential dark horse, capable of an upset, as are the other nominees.

In the Outstanding Social Media Skits category, Admire Mushambi (Mama Vee), Panashe Gurende (Moojaya) and Bashimane Mothusi Ndlovu (Sikhobokhobo Madlela) will compete for honours.

This category is also open to any of the nominees. Last year’s awards ceremony was held in Bulawayo.