admin
Ellen Sanyanga
THERE could still be room for improvement but there is no doubt this year’s National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) were close to spot on.
The event, which took place last weekend, was remarkable in many ways: exceptional organisation, five-star treatment of guests, entertainment, time keeping, security and even the quality of guests in the audience.
Nama even had prize money for the winners this year.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Society, Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) director Napoleon “Napster” Nyanhi said they received maximum support from their corporate partners, who “made the event a success”.
“The level of support we received was phenomenal and this is the only reason we were able to pull off a good event,” he said.
Nama had six platinum sponsors, namely Old Mutual (cash), Events Evolution (tech equipment), Greygate (red carpet branding), 4 May (dressed 23 artistes and presenters), FasFit Matlock (cash and transport) and the Government of Zimbabwe (prize money for winners).
Other sponsors included Rainbow Tourism Group, RwandAir, Wild Africa Travel, Air Zimbabwe, Cimas, Patsime Edutainment Trust, Nash Paints, Sahwira Paints, ZiFM Stereo, Cresta Lodge, Jasper, Longcheng Plaza, Stagecon, T-nash, I the Barber, byNomi, House of Glam, Urban Blush, Eden Villas, Audrey Make-up, Bustop TV, Men on a Boat, Zimcelebs, Dariro Mode, Agribank, Laptime Printers, Black Shark Security, Regency Casino and Zim Models.
Nyanhi said although the list of corporate partners looks impressive, selling the idea to the aforementioned companies was an uphill task.
“Finding corporate partners was not easy as we had a 66 percent rejection rate, meaning for us to get the sponsors we got, we approached close to 100 corporates,” he said.
“Although it was tough, we are very grateful to our sponsors. I would like to thank them for having faith in our vision. Our ideas sounded incredible to many but these companies chose to give us a chance.”
Since the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe — a parastatal — is the custodian of Nama, the Government was heavily involved.
“Special mention goes to the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation for significant, cash sponsorship,” said Nyanhi, adding: “Next year we will raise the bar even higher to compete with the best in the region. That is a promise.”
Online Reporter