KHAYA Arts director Future Dube is ecstatic after he and his group bagged awards at the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) over the weekend.
Bulawayo’s Khaya Arts scooped the Outstanding Dance Group award, while Dube, claimed the Outstanding Choreographer gong.
"I am over the moon because this is our first time to win a Nama and to win two gongs at one go is a milestone and this will change the face of Khaya Arts. Khaya will never be the same again,” Dube told NewsDay Life & Style.
Dube's dance group is well known for excellence in various dances including Gumboot, Muchongoyo and Isitshikitsha.
Previous winner Carol Mashingaidze-Zimbizi, who won the Best Theatre Actress award was emotional. She dedicated the gong to her niece.
“It was a great honour to be awarded the Outstanding Theatre Actress award. It means the world to me. I’m hoping this award will open more doors for me in the theatre space not only as an actor but an aspiring director. This is my first win in the theatre category but not my first Nama award. I won in 2012 in the Film and Television category. I also won an award for Best Supporting Actress a year ago in Nigeria for Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa,” she said.
Nama scriptwriter and voice-over host Charlene Mangweni-Furusa beamed with joy at the success of the event.
“I think the event has evolved into one where attendees know how to dress up and expect a night filled with glamour and massive performances. As the show’s scriptwriter and voice-over host, I have an appreciation for all the acts that came through as well as the presenters. When I write their intros and what they say on stage, it is after finding out who they are and what they do and it's always a fascinating journey,” she said, referencing her well-researched job.
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The awards were held last Saturday at the Hippodrome in Harare.
Some notable figures spotted at the event include South African actress Nombulelo Mhlongo — popular for her role as MaDlomo on etv’s Scandal as well as Durban Gen where she played the role of “Sne”. Local stars like Sylent Nqo, Denilson Musekiwa and Winner Bagga, Tamy Moyo, Voltz JT, Francesca Musheche, ProBeatz also got fans excited on the red carpet.
