Andrew
Takudzwa Chihambakwe
ORGANISERS of local arts events have for some time appeared to suffer from a serious lack of creativity.
Not many, if any, have managed to match impressive standards set by the now-defunct Harare International Festival of Arts (Hifa).
Creativity was never a challenge for the brains behind the show, which was one of Africa’s biggest festivals. A unique vibe, creating lasting memories, always characterised each edition of Hifa.
Likewise, everyone in the creative sector wanted to be associated with the annual show. Naturally, this made Hifa a ‘‘big deal’’ on the arts calendar. Now, one wonders why other organisers fail to emulate such good standards.
This is particularly so for annual awards ceremonies that are often dull and easily predictable.
We will not bother you with details on this one. Credit, however, should go to the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) organisers.
The decision by National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to contract Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) as runners of the awards ceremony is clearly paying dividends. The arts flagship awards are now a must attend for many.
The game has changed since JCMC took over in 2019. The team, full of young and fresh minds, came up with a near seamless show on their debut execution. Almost every person in attendance had a good experience. Fast forward to this year’s edition.
Organises of the Nama went all out once again to guarantee a superb show. The red carpet was abuzz, with guests dressed to the nines.
Unlike in previous editions, most gentlemen applied effort to dress for the occasion, just like the ladies. Similarly, performances are improving with each passing event.
This time around there was a surprise Greek-themed performance by Kae Chaps and Kikky Badass on the red carpet.
Nobody least expected to see Kae Chaps arriving on a horse let alone collaborating with the gorgeous and curvaceous Kikky.
The atmosphere was already charged up before guests got inside the venue where a world-class performance by the award-winning Mokoomba awaited them.
Add the Soul Jah Love tribute performance to the mix and you can tell this was a well thought out programme. However, as the show proceeded some grey areas popped up. For instance, there were just too many dead air moments which is not good for such events.
JCMC managing director, Napoleon Nyanhi, could be seen pacing up and down as he tried to fix the glitches. Also, the use of paper when making presentations at such events is now outdated. Chava chinyakare!
It was made worse by some of the presenters that visibly struggled with the script as if they had just received it a few minutes before the show.
We also have the mbira lady who failed to do justice to the late mbira queen, Chiwoniso Maraire’s track “Iwai Nesu”.
It is good to give exposure to fresh talent, but organisers should make sure the act is well rehearsed.
The biggest highlight of the night was Nyasha David and Nutty O’s sweet performance. The youngsters were supported by an amazing band, well-trained dancers and backed by the phenomenal vocalists, The Unveiled.
Oh! For the first time at HICC, we had an act dropping from the roof.
Yes, from the roof!
However, it was not as dramatic as they do it at the BETs. Not bad for a first attempt though. In a nutshell, the Nama ceremony was well crafted though there is still room for improvement.
Meanwhile, top Zim hip hop artiste, Holy Ten, fired a salvo at all Nama and PPC Zimbabwe Music Awards Music (Zima) winners.
“Congratulations to everyone who won Zimas and Namas. Even though you know you don’t deserve them, congratulations,” tweeted the rapper.
One would probably understand the rapper’s frustration.
Holy Ten dominated the 2021 Zim hip hop awards with three gongs for the Best Male, Best Album and the People’s Choice. However, he was not even nominated for any category for both Nama and Zima, which left many with more questions than answers.
His album “Risky Life” (2021) had several runaway hits that could have easily secured him a couple of nominations all things being equal.
Some people feel Nama nominations did not give a fair reflection of what transpired in the creative sector over the past year or two.
Last year, Nama only hosted a Legends Awards event virtually.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter