Bhekiwe Dube’s Spectacular Performance at the NAMAs!

Our Girl Bhekiwe Dube, a talented performer recently had the opportunity to showcase her skills on the NAMA stage last Saturday. She shared the stage with Tamy Moyo, a well-known singer in the music industry. Their performance was awesome. Bhekiwe Dube’s presence on stage was nothing short of amazing, and her energy and passion for her craft shone through in every moment. It was a night to remember!

The night was full of exciting performances from a variety of talented artists. One of the highlights was the performance by Tamy Moyo, who invited Bhekiwe to join her. The energy during their performance left the audience in awe. In my opinion, that was the best performance of the night.

Other Perfomances

Baba Harare’s performance was a true spectacle, leaving the crowd captivated and energized. His traditional style was an absolute delight, and the way he commanded the stage with his electrifying presence was truly remarkable. His performance was a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, and he left no stone unturned in delivering an unforgettable show. Overall, Baba Harare’s performance was a testament to his exceptional talent.

Let’s talk about, Noluntu J the Kasi Barbie. During her performance, the rapper also stole the show. She delivered her rhymes with precision and passion, and her purple hair added to the impressive performance. All in all, it was a night to remember, with each artist bringing their own unique flavour and leaving the audience thoroughly entertained. Here’s what went down:

Bhekiwe Perfomances

Bhekiwe first appeared on stage, when she, together with Msiz’Kay performed their hit song ‘Kulula.’ It was a thrilling moment, I was excited to see Bhekiwe on stage. She entered the stage in beautiful African attire to join Msiz’Kay. The highlight of their performance was when they kissed on stage, which got the audience cheering loudly. For a moment, it felt like I was watching a Xhosa wedding!

I was eagerly anticipating Bhekiwe’s performance at the event. However, to my dismay, their performance was brief and ended rather suddenly. I must admit, I felt a bit sad about it. One of the main reasons I had decided to attend the event was to see Bhekiwe’s performance. But my disappointment turned into anticipation when the organizers announced that Tamy Moyo would also be performing with Bhekiwe and Noluntu J later that evening. I was excited to see what they had in store for us and it turned out to be a great performance that I thoroughly enjoyed

I must say that Tamy Moyo and Bhekiwe’s performance of was outstanding. It was an electrifying performance that left me speechless. Tamy Moyo’s voice was breathtaking, and her dancing was impeccable. Bhekiwe looked like she had been recharged and the energy she exuded was palpable. Her contribution was equally impressive, and their chemistry on stage was undeniable. It’s no surprise that their performance quickly went viral, as everyone has been talking about it. Their talent is beyond doubt, and I can’t wait to see what they do next!

The National Arts Merit Awards:

The 22nd Zimbabwe National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) were held on Saturday, 24th February 2024, at a graceful venue in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The event was held under the theme #KWAN22 to celebrate the return of the awards ceremony to Bulawayo, a city that is renowned for its rich culture and history. The NAMA Awards ceremony is a prestigious event that recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements in Zimbabwean arts and culture.

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe announced the nominees for this year’s NAMA Awards. The nominees were selected from various categories, including dance, music, theatre, visual arts, literary arts, and film and television. The nominees’ works were carefully evaluated by an independent panel of judges, consisting of experts and professionals in the respective fields.

The NAMA Awards ceremony was a grand affair, attended by a host of dignitaries, artists, and cultural activists from different parts of Zimbabwe. The event featured captivating performances by some of the country’s most renowned artists, showcasing the best of Zimbabwean arts and culture. The winners of the NAMA Awards were announced amidst great fanfare, with each winner receiving a trophy and recognition for their exceptional work in their respective categories. The event was a fitting tribute to the vibrant and diverse arts and cultural scene in Zimbabwe.

NAMA Nominees & Winners

Dance Category        

Outstanding Female Dancer

1. Ellain Ncube
2. Deborah Kabongo [Winner]
3. Vanessa Nyoni

Outstanding Male Dancer

1. Tichaona Chikara
2. Sean Mambwere [Winner]
3. Terence Kapesa

Outstanding Dance Group

1. Elysium Magna Dance Theatre
2. Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble
3. Salt and Light [Winner]

Outstanding Dance Choreographer

1. Deborah Kabongo
2. Terence Kapesa [Winner]
3. Sean Mambwere

VISUAL ARTS AWARDS

Outstanding 2-Dimensional Work

1. My Daughter by Crystal Vimbanashe Beseni
2. Shiriyabvutarekeni by Sea Mpetwa
3. Wire Car by Christwish Malunga [Winner]

Outstanding 3-Dimensional Work

1. Cultural Dancer by Chenjeri Chiripanyanga
2. Humility by Priviledge Garade
3. Charging Gorilla by Ray Chataira [Winner]

Outstanding Exhibition

1. Katundu Katurikwa – Solo Exhibition at National Gallery of Zimbabwe (Harare): Curated by Zvikomborero F. Mandangu
2. Pamoyo Sihlengeni – Solo Exhibition at National Gallery of Zimbabwe (Bulawayo): Curated by Doris Kamupira [Winner]
3. Connections – Group Exhibition at National Gallery of Zimbabwe (Bulawayo): Curated by Hajee Ismail Mposa, Sinqobile Shamie Dube, and Doris 

SPOKEN WORD AWARDS

Outstanding Poet

1. Ngonidzashe Paradza aka Mambo Guramatunhu [Winner]
2. Shanay Wood
3. Chioniso Tsikisayi

Outstanding Social Media Skits

1. Admire Takudzwa Mushambi aka Mama Vee [Winner]
2. Theophilus Chigumira aka Mai Kirifodhi
3. Kudzanai Chengedza aka Mbuya VaPiyasoni

MEDIA AWARDS

Outstanding Journalist – Print

1. Sharon Zebra – Alpha Media
2. Sindiso Dube – Alpha Media [Winner]
3. Mthabisi Tshuma – Chronicle

Outstanding Journalist – Radio

1. MisRed – ZiFM Stereo
2. KVG – Star FM
3. Chamvary – ZiFM Stereo [Winner]

Outstanding Journalist – Television

1. Collete Musanyera – Ztv [Winner]
2. Mr Dobbie – NRtv

Outstanding – Online Media

1. Khumbulani Muleya – Heart and Soul [Winner]
2. Plot Mhako – earGround Africa
3. Jonathan Mbiriyamveka – Gem Nation

THEATRE AWARDS

Outstanding Actor

1. Farai Clarence Borerwe as Augustine in Beautiful Men
2. Douglas Bramsen as Jafar in Aladdin
3. Dean Jones as Lage in Aladdin [Winner]

Outstanding Actress

1. Charmaine Mujeri as Faith Nehura in Zuva Crumbling 
2. Musawenkosi Sibanda as ALL MOTHER: We are One WINNER in Simunye [Winner]
3. Nosizo Gumede as Runyararo I am/was Marah

Outstanding Theatrical Production

1. Simunye We are One – Directed by Mongi Wekhaya Mthombeni, Produced by Shearwater [Winner]
2. I am/was Marah – Directed by Lloyd Nyikadzino 
4. Zuva Crumbling – Directed by Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi

LITERARY AWARDS

Outstanding First Creative Published Work

1. The Train House on Lobengula Street by Fatima Kara [Winner]
2. A Somber Graveyard Tale by Christopher Madala
3. UQhondisile MaKhumalo by Kephas Sibanda

Outstanding Children’s Book

1. Whatever Happened to Rick Astley by Byrony Rheam
2. The Magic and Masala by Violet Kee-Tul
3. UKhetiwe by Zibusiso Mabonisa [Winner]

Outstanding Poetry Book

1. Looking for Mother by Nkosiyazi Kan Kajiri
2. Shamhu yezera renyu by Memory Chirere [Winner]
3. Tesserae: A mosaic of poems by Zimbabwean women – Compiled and edited by Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure and Marian Christie

FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS

Outstanding Actor

1. Everson K. Chieza as Jabulani in The November Promise [Winner]
2. Alex Ayanda Marova as Sgora in High School Diary
3. Felix Machingambi as Comrade in Comrade

Outstanding Actress

1. Auxillia Mucharevei as Nomsa in Destiny
2. Munashe Goromonzi as Tsitsi in The November Promise 
3. Bonakele Agnes Ncube as Dudu in High School Diary [Winner]

Outstanding Music Video

1. Famba – Anita Jaxson, directed by Taurai Zidya
2. Harare to Mutare – Shingai ft Bryan K, directed by Jonathan Samukange
3. Damage – Tahle We Dzinza, directed by Jonathan Samukange [Winner]

Outstanding Screen Production (Television)

1. The November Promise – Derby Bheta
2. High School Diary – John Mabuyane [Winner]
3. DNA Show – Tinashe Mugabe 

Outstanding Screen Production (Short Length Film)

1. Maoko akandirera by Tinashe Dhorobeni
2. Daughter of the Soil by Derrick Manieca [Winner]
3. A few dollars more by Jabu Mudzvova

Outstanding Screen Production (Full-Length Film)

1. White Yet Black by Steve Chikosi [Winner]
2. Comrade by Stephen Mutsago & Abel Silungwe

MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding Newcomer

1. Mbida-D
2. Kinah the Music [Winner]
3. Bagga

Outstanding Female Musician

1. Feli Nandi [Winner]
2. Janet Manyowa
3. Vuyo Brown

Outstanding Male Musician

1. Saintfloew
2. Msiz’kay
3. Enzo Ishall [Winner]

Outstanding Song

1. One by One – Julian King ft Saintfloew
2. Raroorwa – Enzo Ishall [Winner]
3. Chiremerera – Jah Prayzah  

Outstanding Album

1. Season 4 Jesus – Joyful Praise Choir
2. Chiremerera – Jah Prayzah [Winner]
3. Trophy – Freeman

SPECIAL AWARDS

Promoter Of the Year

1. Chipaz Promotion [Winner]
2. Xmo Squad
3. Stratosphere Events
4. Prunella Investments

Outstanding Artist In The Diaspora

1. Learnmore Jonasi (Stand-up comedy, USA) [Winner]
2. Wiina Musamati (Visual Artist, USA)
3. Ernest Ndlovu (Film & Television Actor, South Africa)
4. Masimba Hwati (Visual Artist, Austria)

Arts Service Award

1. Robert Malcom McLaren

Lifetime Achievement Award

1. Dr Thompson Kumbirayi Tsodzo

People’s Choice Award

1. Voltz JT
2. Saintfloew
3. Holy Ten
4. Winky D [Winner]
5. Mai Kirifodhi

Bhekiwe Wins the Best Dressed Category.

I apologize for forgetting to mention one last award. I would like to personally present an award to Bhekiwe for her outstanding red carpet outfit. This award is a self-made one, honouring the best dressed, which was not included in the official categories of the NAMAs.

Bhekiwe truly deserves this recognition, as her outfit was truly remarkable and eye-catching. In fact, even the internet agrees with me on this one. The pictures below of Bhekiwe in her stunning outfit.

I hope that this award can further highlight Bhekiwe’s amazing fashion sense and serve as an inspiration to others. Once again, congratulations to Bhekiwe for her well-deserved recognition as the best-dressed.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. We are all winners in some way, even me who wasn’t nominated. Overall, it was a great event, and many Bulawayo artists received accolades. I had the opportunity to walk on the red carpet and meet a few people I look up to in the industry. However, there were a few aspects of the NAMAs that I did not enjoy. Anyways stay turned for The African Influencer Awards 4th Edition