A NUMBER of artistes have been chosen to perform at this year’s National Arts Merit Awards ceremony slated for Large City Hall in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Report by Khulani Nkabinde
A member of the taskforce in charge of programming, Simon Mambazo Phiri, said artistes had started rehearsing in a number of venues in the city.
“All artistes will rehearse at Large City Hall on Thursday (today). They will be there the whole day and we are putting in place an exciting entertainment programme. We want them to perfect their acts so that performances will be flawless during the awards ceremony,” he said.
Bulawayo-based artistes that are billed to perform at the ceremony include Khuxman, Jeys Marabini, house music group Djembe Monks, a capella outfit Umdumo Wesizwe and Family Voices. The highlight of the ceremony will be the opening act that will feature a collaboration between Iyasa, Simunye Simunye, Siyaya Arts, Umkhathi Theatre Works, Anti-Virus and Xplosion.
Harare-based artistes, Sanii Makhalima, Willis Wattafi, Tehn Diamond and Junior Brown will also perform at the show.
The Bulawayo taskforce in charge of organising this year’s awards said they had covered 60% of the expenses towards the hosting of the annual arts showcase. Taskforce chairperson Jomo Mhone told NewsDay yesterday that they were happy with preparations so far.
“The ceremony will definitely take place. Nothing will stop us now. We have covered 60% of the expenses required. We have received tremendous support from the local community,” said Mhone.
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He said more than $4 000 had been paid to the Bulawayo City Council towards the use of both Small and Large City halls.
Last month, council turned down a request by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to use the facilities for free for the awards, citing financial constraints. A total of 35 artistes will get accolades in various categories.
