Zimpapers Logo

Suluman Chimbetu (right) will celebrate his NAMA award with Jah Prayzah

Entertainment Editor
Suluman Chimbetu will tonight stage a show to celebrate his National Arts Merit Awards accolade at Richwood Sports Club.

Although some critics felt Sulu – as the musician is affectionately known – did not deserve the Outstanding Male Musician award that he got, the artiste is happy with the recognition and says he will party with his fans as he has previously done after scooping other gongs.

Some people felt the award should have gone to dancehall musician Tocky Vibes, who took the Outstanding Album and Outstanding Song awards but Sulu emerged the winner in a category that also featured Shinsoman.

Sulu said he respects the adjudicators’ decision and happily accepts the recognition.

“We feel honoured to receive the award and we will celebrate with our fans on Wednesday (tonight) at Richwood Sports Club. People might have different feelings over the award but we respect the adjudicators’ decision and we know that hard work has taken us this far,” said Sulu.

“It is a time to be happy and say thank you to those who have supported us over the years. We have won several awards at different platforms and we know we could not have made it to this level on our own. There are many partners and fans in the industry that have contributed to our success.

“Being voted the Outstanding Male Musician in an industry with so much competition means a lot to us.”

To help Sulu celebrate his victory tonight would be Jah Prayzah, who walked away empty-handed despite being nominated in two categories.

Jah Prayzah said he salutes his brother in the arts for showing him the way on many occasions.

“I will be at the party to say congratulations to my fellow musician and brother. Sulu deserves such awards because he has experience in the industry. He came before me and I learn a lot from his music and character,” said Jah Prayzah.

“For me, this is a family event because I take Sulu as my brother. I have known him for a long time and we have worked together on a number of projects. We share the success as a music family.”

Organiser of the event Wanisai Tendai Mutandwa, popularly known as Mahwindo, said the celebration would be a top-class event.

“We have worked with Sulu on many occasions and we have planned this event to show our appreciation for his success. Our promotions company, Divine Assignments, salutes all artistes who won awards at NAMA but we chose to specifically celebrate with Sulu because of our long working relationship.

“We are also happy that Jah Prayzah will be part of the celebrations. The two musicians make a good combination,” said Mahwindo.

Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga is expected to be the guest of honour at the event while ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority boss Karikoga Kaseke are some of the top officials set to grace the occasion.

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe officials, promoters and other musicians have also been invited.

Sulu has hosted celebratory parties for his previous awards and the events have been successful.

The musician has bagged several awards and in 2013 he was the biggest NAMA winner after scooping three awards in Bulawayo..