Nama, Zima can be better

Joel Tsvakwi, Sunday Life Reporter
HARARE-based afro jazz gospel musician Melusi Khumalo has lamented the quality of Zimbabwe’s two arts awards ceremonies, the Zimbabwe Merit Awards (Zima) and National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), citing poor standards and lack of consultations.

Khumalo, who started playing the guitar in 1987, said a lot could be done to better the events. For Nama he said: “I think it can be better and I have noticed some gaps and feel there was no justice in the selection process.”

Khumalo added that there is a need for extensive and serious planning before hosting such big events so as to ensure some semblance of integrity.

“Zima could have been better if wide or extensive professional consultations were done, it left a lot of criticism, and personally I think such events should never be hurried, there is need to take time thinking through issues and consult extensively.

“There seems to be a serious narrow way of recognition of arts and musicians alike. Zimbabwe is made up of many and diverse cultural backgrounds and there is a different feel and appreciation of music and therefore that needs to be recognised,” said Khumalo.The Jazz 1 lead vocalist added that there were inconsistences and unprofessionalism in the two events.

“Whenever there is a red carpet it must be guarded, I did not see any security; everyone had access to the red carpet.

Attention must be given to artistes. The sound was not up to scratch, presenters were slack, I think let me say there was no chemistry between the anchor personalities,” said Khumalo.

He also said that experienced personnel should run the ceremony, as opposed to the use of novice presenters.

“I think passing on of microphones on stage should never be done again especially at that level of presentation, we should desist from using people who are still finding their feet in showbiz. I think the best way will be to go with experience rather than novice because of the magnitude of these national events. The pool of judges must go beyond Harare. Nominees must be groomed well in advance together with presenters to avoid embarrassing moments.”