The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent —
DESPITE an abundance of talent, innovation and artistic prowess, most artistes and promoters in Mutare are yet to make resounding breakthrough outside the city and compete with revered counterparts in Harare and other cities.
Among many local artistes, only Hosiah Chipanga, Blessing Shumba and Agatha Murudzwa, the late Richard James, Taurai Moyo, Joseph Mutsura have made it into one of the most prestigious National Arts Merit Awards nominees or winners list in previous editions.
Although, bagging a NAMA award still remains a daydream to most artistes and promoters in Mutare, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe manager, Jonah Muchayi believes accolades would soon come to the eastern border city.
Despite incessant efforts by leading registered promoters, Isau Mupfumi who runs The Platinum and Boniface Nyamanhindi of Mandisa to promote an array of upcoming and celebrated musicians, the duo, among others are yet to pick a NAMA accolade.
The two have managed to bring several artistes across all genres to Mutare. In last year’s edition they failed to make it into the nominee list which comprised Danchip, Chipaz and Simmad Entertainment.
Local artistes who usually draw fair crowds in shows and have released fine albums such as Brian Samaita, Assegai Crew, Joseph Makureya, Juicer Mpostori, Jairos Mutambika, Mai Makoni and Ellen Anderson among others are yet to win it.
NAMA is organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to honour outstanding achievements and recognise the excellence of artistic creativity in the country. The 16th edition of the awards is expected to be held early next year.
Muchayi urged artistes and artists, film producers and registered promoters well as promoters in the province to register and submit their products before end of November.
“Artists are free to participate as many times as they want and entry forms are accessible throughout NACZ offices countrywide. Locally, we are located at the DA’s complex at 43 Tembwe Street. Among the participation criteria and considerations, the awards are given to artists whose artistic works are created between December 1 and November 30 of the current year, all entries must be accompanied by three supporting materials, except for works which cannot be reproduced,” said Muchayi.
He is upbeat that Mutare will, this time around, produce more winners in different categories.
“Some people expect to win but they don’t submit their works. We have an abundance of talent here but I urge them to follow the rules and regulations. I am confident that this time, Mutare is going to pull a shocker,” said Muchayi.
NACZ appoints a committee of adjudicators for all arts categories which are Literary Arts, Dance, Film and Television, Visual Arts, Spoken Word, Theatre/Drama, Music, Media and Special Awards.
