Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
ZIMDANCEHALL singer Freeman, whose real name is Sylvester Chizanga, says he is elated to be nominated for various categories of the 21st edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA).
The gifted chanter was nominated in the outstanding male musician, outstanding song and outstanding album categories.
He thanked his fans for their continued support.
“I would like to thank the people behind NAMA for recognising me as an artist, and fans who pushed my work, including the HKD family, who have been listening to my music,” he said.
Freeman also said he already felt like a winner.
“I can’t say I see myself winning, but even if I do not win, I will still be happy, as dominating the nominees list is a big achievement.
“Back in the day, it was only legends like the late Oliver Mtukudzi that used to achieve such.”
He reckons competition was tense considering that most artists are producing good songs.
Freeman will battle it out with sungura musician Mark Ngwazi and Jiti singer Baba Harare in the outstanding male musician and outstanding album categories.
New kid on the block, Tavonga Leo Magombedze, better known as “Leo Maggoz”, was also nominated in the outstanding newcomer and outstanding song categories.
Feli Nandi seems to have settled in well after breaking away from Mbeu’s Mhodzi Tribe.
She has since graduated from being an outstanding newcomer to outstanding female musician in this year’s edition of the awards.
Meanwhile, Baba Harare said he was happy that Jiti is finally getting due recognition.
“It is an honour to be recognised by the National Arts Council as a contender in my field of expertise. I consider this a form of acknowledgment. I am an ambassador of an original Zimbabwean genre.
“Jiti has struggled to be recognised as a mainstream genre. Some try to group the genre under sungura, yet that is not the case.
“Some also consider our lyrics vulgar, yet that is not true. The innuendos are what makes the genre unique and appeal to many,” said Baba Harare.
Online Reporter