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Preparations for the 16th National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) are gaining momentum to ensure that the awards ceremony that is set for February 18 at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare will be memorable.

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in conjunction with AB Communications (Event Managers) are working tirelessly, mobilising resources for the success of the red carpet event.

The 16th Nama theme is “Partner with the Arts”. It is aimed at challenging and encouraging the growth of the symbiotic relationship between the arts and the corporate sector. While acknowledging that great strides have been taken in this direction the theme is a call to corporates to invest in arts by exploring, exposing and sharing possibilities in partnership within the creative sector, even the Nama brand in particular. The arts are also an investment vehicle and present limitless opportunities for both social and business investors.

Meanwhile, this year’s Nama will be hosted by Carl Joshua Ncube the multi- award winning comedian. Carl has been breaking barriers to bring Zimbabwean stand-up comedy to the world.

Carl has performed in Australia, US, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Ivory Coast and South Africa where he has been part of a number of festivals namely Nite of a Thousand Laughs, Johannesburg International Comedy Festival, Harare International Comedy Festival, Soweto Comedy Festival, Africa Laugh Festival, Presidents of Laughrica, Africa Laughs and Stand up Africa.

Carl Joshua Ncube is bringing the spotlight on Zimbabwe and as a result onto the growing Zimbabwean stand-up comedy scene by his relentless drive and ambition to exude his talent to the world.

Nama was inaugurated in February 2002 in honour of artists who had excelled in the previous year and is the platform where National Arts Council of Zimbabwe recognizes outstanding achievements within the creative sector. By rewarding excelling artists, Nama stimulates more interest in the arts and raises the profile of the same. The awards are a means of encouraging creativity and excellence in the quality of the arts, making Zimbabwe a force to reckon with on the international arena. — NACZ