THE live performers for the 21st edition of the National Merit Awards (Nama) dubbed Unlocking dreams are being simultaneously unveiled on the Awards' social media much to the excitement of fans and celebrities.
So far Mwenje Mathole, Feli Nandi, Mai Titi, Poptain, Herman, Hope Masike, Obert Dube, Juntal, Ishan, Leo Magozz and Mimmie Tarukwana have been unlocked to perform at the prestigious awards, with many more to be named.
Last year's 20th edition saw artistes like Mbeu, Ma9, Nyasha David who made a grand stage entry on a motor bike, Tonto Wavie, JNR Brown, Minister Mahendere, Janet Manyowa, Awa Khiwe, Mambo Duterere, Crooger, Kae Chaps and Kikky Badass with the red carpet performance that made waves in the entertainment industry as Kae Chaps made an entry on a horseback.
There was Enzo Ishall who performed in the Zimdancehall chanter Soul Jah Love tribute with Kadijah and Ma9.
Nutty O came through with a closing performance that was out of this world and then put the icing on the cake by scooping awards on the night.
Last year's edition was well prepared for with the technical team being able to align the Jah Love tribute which was being performed in different settings.
Enzol Ishal was at Karigamombe in front of Mbuya Nehanda Statue, Kadijah was on the HICC balcony, Ma9 and Chipoko chaSauro on stage.
The super entrance by Nyasha David on a bike which gave a rock 'n' roll feel was a 'hit'. Organisers revealed that the artiste went for two weeks rehearsal just to master the 20 seconds grand entrance.
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The 21st edition of the awards annual ceremony will be on February 25 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) under the theme 'Unlocking dreams.'
This year people are expecting a grand, glitz and glamorous event since last year's edition was held after a sabbatical due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
The Nama is the premier award ceremony organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in partnership with Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) in recognition of artistes who would have excelled throughout the year.
Old Mutual, CBZ, CIMAS, and CABS are some of the corporates.
NACZ public relations and communications manager Rodney Ruwende said preparations were on course.
“The adjudication is looking at all the entries that were submitted and previewing as well as reviewing the actual submitted materials which is a time-consuming process that requires absolute focus and concentration from the adjudicators,” Ruwende said.
“The process is going well and we hope it will be complete at the beginning of February followed by the announcement of the nominees.
“We are working with our event managers and partners to make sure the event is a success and meets the expectations of the sector and the nation at large.”
JCMC events manager Tinashe Kitchen said their aim was to provide a quality event that all their stakeholders will be proud of.
“We have a very unique stage design that has never been seen before in Zimbabwe and as much as we appreciate that the audience wants new things that are not what it is all about,” Kitchen said.
“It is about providing a high quality, well produced platform that celebrates all forms of art in Zimbabwe, not just music.”
