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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter
All roads lead to 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale tomorrow for the 14th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards.
The awards ceremony which will honour musicians, writers, dancers and filmmakers among others is running under the theme “Pride of Zimbabwe”. Artistes will get awards in categories of music, literary arts, dance, visual art, film and television, theatre, media, spoken word and special awards.
Fans and art followers await to see who will walk away with gongs in their favourite categories while there will be several entertainment highlights on the night.
The red carpet event, which some still doubt after last year’s mistakes, will see fashionistas and celebrities having photoshoots at banners that will be mounted by sponsors.
In a statement, NACZ communications and marketing officer Cathrine Mthombeni said 35 awards are up for grabs tomorrow in nine categories.
She said the locals should be ready for some fun, action and entertainment.
“The idea of the awards is to show pride in the arts, its versatility and diversity. It is also to instil pride in artistes as individuals and to celebrate with them their achievements in being nominated and winning awards,” said Mthombeni.
She said NAMA is a platform where NACZ recognises excellence in creativity and talent in artistes to stimulate artistic originality.
“Besides, the awards aim to inspire artistes to strive for higher and original forms of creativity and provide an opportunity for arts disciplines to jointly market and publicise the arts locally, regionally and internationally,” she said.
Some of the artistes that are vying for the awards are Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu, Tocky Vibes, Cindy Munyavi, Agartha Murudzwa, Jasen Mphepo and Notando Nobengula.
Last year saw Jah Prayzah walking away as the biggest winner bagging four gongs at the awards ceremony that was held at Bulawayo Rainbow.
Enock Chihombori, a nominee again this year with his new book, won the Best Production with “Gringo The Trouble Maker”.
The winners walked away with a variety of hampers and $500.
Online Reporter