ACCLAIMED mbira maestro Hope Masike believes being a National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) nominee is a prestigious accolade that accords one recognition as a global creative which can open doors to world markets and career advancement.
Masike, who is a National Arts Council of Zimbabwe board member and chairperson of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) adjudication committee, said this while announcing the Nama23 nominees on Wednesday, adding that they had an incredibly exciting line up from a total of 1 266 entries that were received.
She said the competition was tough in all categories, however, she noted several areas that needed improvement, especially video and picture shooting, including formats of presentation of works.
Masike emphasised that a quality-driven process and presentation of finished works leads to better and increased acceptance of creative works.
The hosts of the day, Masike and Angeline Furusa, were dressed in catchy African attire, with the surrounding environment resonating well with the theme #Afrofuturism.
They did an amazing job of presenting the nominees and hyping the Nama23 event, to be held on March 1 at a venue still to be announced.
The Literary Category led the pack with 277 entries, followed closely by Film and Television with 267 submissions.
There were lots of surprises and mixed feelings over the nominees, particularly on the Outstanding Female Dancer category, where Praise Dube and Ndomupeishe Chipendo were nominated.
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The other exciting news was that of Outstanding Male Musician contenders like Mark Ngwazi and Braveman Chizvino Mawanza, popularly known as Baba Harare.
The Visual Arts category, which Masike appreciated as a fast growing entity, has nominees like Bernard Sakarombe and Taurai Chinofura, who showcased their incredible skills.
The Female Musicians category has the likes of Feli Nandi, Dorcas Moyo and Sandra Ndebele vying for top honours.
Pauline Mangweni-Furusa, Nama23 presenter and voice- over artist
I am excited about this year’s Nama theme because it’s about encouraging us as Zimbabwean creatives to think outside the box and imagine what our future looks like as we embrace our culture.
Nominees are selected by an independent adjudication committee led by Hope Masike under the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
No one outside these offices has an idea of who is going to be nominated. The process is outlined by Masike in a video.
While I present the opening segments of the announcement, NACZ keeps a tight lid on the list.
I find out at the same time as the rest of the world, I’m not even in the room when the announcement is filmed.
I am the scriptwriter and host and have no details about nominees, beforehand.
I submit my work as an artist and hope I make the cut like every other Zimbabwean artist.
My film SEE ME, which is nominated for outstanding full-length film, has toured 17 countries worldwide including Belarus, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, New Zealand and in Africa — South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe — among others.
While it has won awards across the border, it’s very heartwarming and validating to be nominated at home. We are very grateful.
I’m excited about the new categories NACZ has introduced under the director Napoleon Nyanhi’s watchful eye.
There is a category for outstanding theatre playwright, which is exciting as this is where all plays start.
So it is only fitting that we honour those who write them.
Other new categories include outstanding newcomer in the visual arts category.
Also, there are a number of new and emerging artists which is encouraging.
This year’s event will be different and filled with African pride and it’s a step going into the future.
I’m looking forward to seeing the various red carpet looks interpreting Afrofuturism as well as the star-studded performances.
Richard Tentone, founder of the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe
The nominees for the 23rd edition of the Namas in the film and television categories are truly commendable.
It is both encouraging and gratifying to see emerging talents like Chesesile Mpofu, Munashe Goromonzi and Tawanda Vombo being recognised alongside established veterans.
This blend of new and seasoned artists highlights the vibrancy and diversity within our industry.
The nominations reflect the hard work and dedication of many individuals and productions that have made significant contributions to our cinematic landscape.
It is a testament to our collective progress and an inspiration for all creators striving for excellence.
I would like to commend Nama for its efforts in promoting inclusivity and recognising the breadth of talent in our community.
This acknowledgement also serves as validation for our own Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards in 2024.
Together, we are moving forward in celebrating and uplifting our rich artistic heritage.
Well done to all the nominees, and thank you, Nama, for your continued support of our industry.
Marc Mandishora, film producer
As usual, people will have their preferences, but in general I think the nominees are a fair reflection of who put what work in the period being adjudicated from music, theatre and all categories.
I am looking forward to seeing how the actual production on March 1 unfolds.
