Winky D, Jah Prayzah dominate Nama
Tawanda Matanhire Arts Reporter
Men of the moment, Jah Prayzah and Winky D were this year’s major highlights at the NAMA awards held at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on Saturday.
Jah Prayzah, real name is Mukudzei Mukombe, emerged as the Outstanding Male Musician before scooping the Outstanding Album award with “Jerusarema”.
Wallace Chirimuko, popularly known as Winky D, saw his hit song “Disappear” being named the Song of the Year.
He also won the People’s Choice Award.
But the best winner of the night was the play “Chimbwido the Girl of War” that scooped three awards in theatre.
Actress Nyaradzo Nhongonhema got Outstanding Actress award while the production was voted Outstanding Theatrical Production. The award for the Outstanding Director went to Stanley Makuwe who wrote and directed the play.
However, music was the most popular genre as usual and some people were disappointed that Killer T, who was nominated in three categories, went home empty-handed.
Jah Prayzah, whose “Jerusarema” album has hits like “Eriza” and “Chiname”, dedicated the awards to his fans.
“I am grateful for the support I got from the fans, these are the people who have placed me where I am today with their continued support. It’s not me who chose myself but them so I thank them very much,” he said.
The fully packed event which saw the who is who in the arts industry thronging the venue was graced by the Minister of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage, Abednigo Ncube.
This year’s edition saw a number of improvements being made, although many still feel the organisers of the awards have a lot of work to do for the prestigious event to retain its former glory.
Apart from the accolades several artists walked away with cash prizes in selected categories.
Other prizes included DSTV decoders, training contracts as well as fabrics.
The Government also chipped in with financial support.
Minister Ncube applauded the artistes for the “sterling” work they produced in the past year
“These artistes and all the artists in this nation are the reason why my ministry is working tirelessly to ensure that their livelihoods improve and they receive the worthy recognition for their excellent work,” he said.
Guests were entertained by several artistes who included Chipawo, Hope Masike, Gary Tight and Takakunda Mkundu as well as his father Mono Mkundu. Doc Vikela also send the crowd into frenzy by his ib-cracking jokes.
NAMA 2016 Winners list:
1. Literary Arts Awards
Outstanding First Creative Published Works
Chaotic by Samantha Chihuri
Outstanding Children’s Book
Tsuro naGudo: Misi yese Haifanani by Daniel Mutendi and Wilbur Kandiero [DanTs Media]
Outstanding Fiction
Textures by John Eppel and Togara Muzanenhamo [AmaBooks]
2. Dance Awards
Outstanding Male Dancer
Sean Mambwere (M & M Dance Factory)
Outstanding Female Dancer
Timikha Fisher (Breakthrough Productions)
Outstanding Dance Group
M & M Dance Factory
Outstanding Choreographer
Sean Mambwere (M & M Dance Factory)
3. Visual Arts Awards
Outstanding 2 Dimensional Work
Tears of a Woman by Mavis Tauzen
Outstanding 3 Dimensional Work
Happy Elephant by Farai T. Tandi
Outstanding Mix Media Work
The Dog and the Bone by Johnson Zuze
Outstanding Exhibition
Agostinho Neto Curated by Raphael Chikukwa at National Gallery of Zimbabwe
4. Spoken Word Awards
Outstanding Poet
Philani Nyoni
Outstanding Comedian
Doc Vikela
5. Theatre Awards
Outstanding Actress
Nyaradzo Nhongonhema in Chimbwido the Girl of War
Outstanding Actor
Gift Chakuvinga in The Taking
Outstanding Theatrical Production
Chimbwido the Girl of War by Stanley Mukuwe
Outstanding Director
Stanley Makuwe for Chimbwido the Girl of War
6. Film And Television Awards
Outstanding Actor
Anthony Tongani in Ngozi
Outstanding Actress
Chipo Mbizvo in Mwanasikana
Outstanding Music Video
Huyai Tinamate by Charles Mawungwa ft. Hope Masike
Outstanding Screen Production
Full Length Film
Mwanasikana directed by Beauty Nakai Tsuro
Short Film
Jane the Ghost directed by Learnmore Sibanda
TV Production
Tonight with Zororo directed by Nqobizitha Mlilo & Zororo Makamba
7. Media Awards
Outstanding Journalist Print
Beaven Tapureta The Herald
Outstanding Journalist TV
Sifiso Mpofu ZBC
Outstanding Journalist Radio
Josephine Mugiyo ZBC
Outstanding Online
Panorama
8. Music Awards
Outstanding Female Musician
Selmor Mtukudzi
Outstanding Male Musician
Jah Prayzah
Outstanding Album
Jerusarema by Jah Prayzah
Outstanding Song
Disappear from Gafa Life by Winky D
Outstanding Promoter
Legends Sports Bar
9. Special Awards
Stephen Chifunyise
Nhimbe Trust
10. Peoples Choice Award
Winky D
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