Online Reporter
Arts Reporters
It seems the National Arts Merit Awards (Namas) are still the same, nothing new.
Each edition comes with its own talking points.
The talking points might be positive or negative, but the script remains the same.
There is no more innovation!
The good thing, life is an interesting journey. Just like art, it is difficult to please everyone, but there is a time when old habits continue to scale up then it means either organisers are naïve or myopic.
For an awards show to be respected, accepted and appreciated not only by viewers or fans, but sponsors as well, organisers should accept criticism and move as this develops the sector.
A close source revealed that this year they had less resources to host what was deemed as the best awards show.
It also seems the “big dogs” in the industry, from musicians to sponsors, were missing at the show.
This should give an insight into what it means. It becomes kids’ play.
Does it mean artistes and sponsors have lost hope and faith in it or they are just tired?
Looking at awards like Oscars, Grammy, Saftas even the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, the arts industry in those countries comes to a standstill as they all will be available either performing or supporting but for us it is like the same script over and over again.
The awards, which celebrate the Zimbabwean artists, were held at Harare’ Hippodrome over the weekend which saw diplomats, ministers and celebrities attending.
Some sectors have said that being a national awards ceremony, it seems it did not encompass much of all corners of Zimbabwe among the invited guests let alone the performers and it became much of a “Harare thing.”
The event was hosted by two media personalities, Charlene Furusa and Nabeelah Jogee, who sailed through flawlessly during their segment.
They proved that they can dominate what used to be a male-dominated show but still the event needed the “male factor” to bring the “masculine effect” — balancing.
On to the red-carpet affair, according to the school of events, it is a show on its own hence the Namas seem to ignore and invest much in that but that is a topic for another day, if we want to seriously respect our awards.
There is also a point of what is called seat filling, which was also amiss at the show to the extent you could end up witnessing empty chairs which is bad for television production.
Every award show has a theme and this year’s for Nama was “afro-futuristic.”
What they failed to do was to take time interpreting the theme to their guests so that it goes with the flow to avoid disappointments and embarrassment.
This led to fashion discord in terms of dress code, as the event organisers did not fully explain what was required in line with their theme of the night.
Despite the electrifying performances which kept fans to their feet, somehow the show was lukewarm, no futuristic about it or maybe was it because it was affected by resources.
The “new” Nama venue was superb as it has hosted a lot of national events.
The lighting and sound were par excellence, and the use of telepromoter made the job easier for presenters, making sure the stay on the script.
A well-researched and simple theme could have served right as people will be having their expectations.
As expected, the awards ceremony will always be remembered for its surprising outcomes and unexpected winners which we credit the jury for their decision.
We can’t all be winners but we need to respect their decision.
Some are of the opinion that this year’s edition was never short of all the aforementioned misses, surprises, and shocks.
What is encouraging is the fact that the event went according to plan during the week that the National Art Council of Zimbabwe boss, Napoleon Nyanhi, was in the news for his media gaffe.
Nyanhi received backlash after he appeared to have allegedly challenged arts critics to come up with their own awards after they questioned the omission of other deserving practitioners.
Away from the media gaffe, the event went according to plan, but it was hard to please everyone.
Performance-wise, it was a night to remember as the man of the moment, Oriyano, nailed it with a superb performance set to remain engraved in the minds of many.
Nisha Ts, who has been trending for a significant part of the year, is evolving with each performance.
Hwinza and Delroy Shewe had a good day in the office.
The Joyful Praise Choir with Misheck Mahendere brought the “holiness” to the show.
Superstar Jah Prayzah was at his usual best as he gave fans a polished act.
The lanky performer, who has won everything in Zimbabwe, is not only thriving but is also on a mission to woo fans.
He put forth all his artistic verve, making the event a memorable one.
Sad to note that this was the last year events host for Namas, for past years, the Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC).
They ran a good race, now all eyes are on the next hosts and hence a pace has been set.
Below is the full list of winners:
1) Dance Awards
Outstanding Female Dancer
Celine Madziva in Respect My Team
Outstanding Male Dancer
Tichaona “Hero” Chikara in Into the Light
Outstanding Choreographer
Future Dube — Khaya Arts Productions
2) Visual Arts Awards
Outstanding Male Visual Artist
Moffat Takadiwa
Outstanding Female Visual Artist
Portia Zvavahera
Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist
Kundai Nathan
Outstanding Exhibition
6th Venice Biennale by Various Artists, curated by Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa
3) Spoken Word Awards
Outstanding Poet
Kudakwashe Rice
Outstanding Social Media skits
Panashe Mujaya
Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian
Mukudzei Majoni aka King Kandoro
4) Theatre Awards
Outstanding Actress
Caroline Mashingaidze Zimbizi as Tete Sabina in Family Riots
Outstanding Actor
Michael Kudakwashe as Sidney in Family Riots
Outstanding Theatrical Production
The Aftermath — Patsimeredu Trust
Outstanding Director
Haywire by Everson Ndlovu
Outstanding Playwright
Promise by Leonard Matsa
5) Literary Arts Awards
Outstanding First Published Work
Zagamo: The War Within by Ray Mawerera, published by Royalty Books
Outstanding Children’s Book
Chimbira neDzimwe Ngano by Primrose Dzenga, published by Torch Bearers Trust
Outstanding Fiction Book
Weeping Tomato by Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure, published by Carnelian Heart Limited
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy by Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula, PhD, published by Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula (PhD)
6) Film & Television Awards
Outstanding Actress
Munashe Goromonzi
Outstanding Actor
Skanyiso Ngwenya as Rise in Rise
Outstanding Music Video
Nhemamusasa by Bagga, directed by Leoy V
Outstanding Screen Production (Television)
The DNA Show by Tinashe Mugabe
Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)
Dollar by Tawanda Vombo
7) Music Awards
Outstanding Female Musician
Thamsanqa Moyo aka Tamy Moyo
Outstanding Male Musician
Hillary Marufu aka Master H
Outstanding Breakthrough Musician (formerly known as Outstanding Upcoming Musician)
Gift Kudakwashe Hombarume aka Chillmaster
Outstanding Music Group
The Unveiled
Outstanding Album
NOP Makoni by Nkosilathi Sibiya aka Voltz JT
8) Special Awards
Promoter of the Year
Event Hulks
Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora
Masimba Hwati (Visual Artist) based in Poland
People’s Choice Award
Wallace Chirumiko aka Winky D
Arts Service Award
Prince Edward
Art Personality Award
Chipaz Promotions
Lifestyle Achievement
Philip Svosve
