adminAuxilia Katongomara Saturday Leisure Reporter
MOVE out old school, enter new blood! For the past years, Zimbabwe’s premier awards – Nama, were dominated by the so- called BIG artistes in the industry. The awards would not be complete without names such as sungura artistes Alick Macheso, the late Tongai Moyo, Charles Charamba, Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria and Oliver Mtukudzi, among others.
But is seems the tide has turned. Young artistes, some with just single albums under their belts, seem to be toppling the heavyweights.
This could be the beginning of an evolution in the showbiz scene.
A closer look at last year and this year’s Nama nominees is testament that young artistes are simply taking over the country’s arts industry.
Gone are the days where older artistes such as Mtukudzi, Macheso and Shingisai Siluma and the late Moyo, among others dominated.
Young artistes such as Jah Prayzah, Selmor Mtukudzi, Mathias Mhere, Fortune Tazvivinga and Qeqeshiwe Mntambo are running the show.
Apart from Jah Prayzah and Sulumani, there are several new comers who have also been nominated in the awards among them Selmor Mtukudzi, Mhere, rising actor and dancer Mntambo who featured in the theatrical production of the 90s drama series, Stitsha and Masvingo based director Leeroy Gono, of the thrilling play, The Gods You have Built.
One of the nominees, Selmor could not hide her joy at her first nomination for the country’s premier awards and also hoped that her father would be proud of her achievement.
She wrote on her Facebook page: “Friends and Family please help me celebrate; I have been nominated for a Nama award! Thank you Lord. iHopeUproudOfmePa.”
With only a single album to her name, Selmor’s track Nguva Yangu (Space Yeyi) rocked the airwaves last year and she is working on her forthcoming album.
Such nominations help boost artistes’ confidence as they aim higher.
Jah Prayzah is also expected to shine at the awards ceremony next Saturday as he has been nominated in four categories.
He has been nominated in the outstanding male musician of the year award, outstanding song, outstanding album and outstanding video.
Playwright and arts practitioner, Raisedon Baya said the trend was evidence of a positive future for the industry.
“In any case, that is natural progression, we expect young people to take over.
It is a positive move because they are coming up with new ideas and we know the future of the arts industry is in safe hands,” said Baya.
Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa) director Nkululeko Dube concurred with Baya that the rise in young artistes excelling was a good sign for the industry.
“It’s a good sign because in the past years we have seen a rise in young artistes and it is a joy when they are awarded for their efforts.
It is a good junior policy, as long as recipients are awarded or nominated on merit without sidelining the older generation for the sake of it. It becomes boring when we have the same old horses running and winning year in, year out,” said Dube.
Emmanuel Manyeruke popularly known as Guspy Warrior, famed for hit track Seunononga, is also among the new faces of Zimbabwean music, with poets such as Likhwa Ncube and Obert Dube also holding their own.
However, there are veteran artistes who are also in the running for the awards. These are Pathisa Nyathi, Charles Mungoshi, Mzana Mthimkhulu, Israel Israel, Enock Chihombori and Edith “WeUtonga” Katiji.
The awards ceremony is set for Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel on Saturday.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter