The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation have announced another set of artists set to make an appearance and perform at the forthcoming National Arts Merit Awards #NAMAlegends on 27 March 2021.
A first and rare occurrence, the collaboration has been called the ‘Big Diaspora Collaboration’ as it will see seven artists in different countries of the world coming together on one track. These are Bekezela (SA), Brian Nhira (USA), Cindy Munyavi (USA), Sani Makhalima (Australia), Tina Masawi (Spain), Vimbai Zimuto (Netherlands), and Vusa Mkhaya (Austria).
Speaking on behalf of the event organisers, Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation, Tinashe Kitchen said;
“Our aim with this performance is to celebrate our artists who are waving the Zimbabwean flag high all over the world. Just like the legends we honour this year, they continue to inspire and make us proud to be Zimbabwean through their art and majesty.”
“One of the NAMA mandates is to expose Zimbabwean talent to the world and this Big Diaspora Collaboration serves to herald Zimbabwe’s dominance beyond our borders. We have exported a lot of brilliant talent as a nation and at NAMA we will celebrate with some of our best musical exports,” said Napoleon Nyanhi, NAMA Executive Director and producer.
The NAMAs are held every year to honour outstanding arts personalities, with nominees jostling for attention on the red carpet. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ceremony will not be taking place this year but will happen virtually in order to adhere to the regulations.
The theme for this year’s edition of awards #NAMALEGENDS @40-Our Legacy Our Pride is aimed at celebrating the people who have shaped the cultural and creative industries over the past 40 years.
National Art Council of Zimbabwe rep. Mr Rodney Ruwende said,
“This year we are hosting a special celebratory edition of the NAMA and this event is going to be 100 percent virtual and unlike in previous years, we do not have a venue where people will be seated receiving awards”.
This extravaganza will be live on ZBC TV, ZTN Facebook page, and NAMAtv Youtube for the whole world to witness the brilliance of Zimbabwean artistry with more platforms to be announced soon.
Apart from the aforementioned diaspora cohorts, viewers and fans can expect performances by DJ Tamuka, Busi Ncube, Nutty O, Tamy Moyo, Poptain, Sylent Nqo, Mzoe 7, Anita Jackson, Jose Sax, Tariro neGitare, ExQ and other exciting surprises.
Event organisers, Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation are very confident that they will deliver a stellar show.
“The show will go on this year. We have a different format but we will raise the bar, lockdown or no lockdown. Rehearsals are well underway and we are working on ensuring everything is in place for the smooth flow of the show,” added Napoleon Nyanhi.
The awards are proudly powered by Old Mutual whose unwavering support has been tremendous even in past editions as well as CIMAS who have believed in the dream of supporting art excellence.
