DENDERA musician Sulumani “Sulu” Chimbetu stole the show at this year’s National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) that were held at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo.
Report by Tawanda Marwizi
Sulu scooped three awards, taking home Outstanding Male Musician, Outstanding Album and The People’s Choice awards.
After the awards Sulu told NewsDay he owes his success to God. “I want to thank God for his blessings because the awards indicate that I have been improving on a daily basis,” said Sulu.
In his opening speech, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Elvis Mari implored artistes to be focused and take Nama as a mark to improve their work.
“This must be an eye opener for the development of the arts community and we want to thank all stakeholders for their support,” he said.
Superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, who was the guest of honour, urged fellow artistes to plough back into the community.
“As artistes we are viewed as a mirror of society and giving back into the community is one of the things that we have to do in order to have a better environment,” said Mtukudzi.
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“I understand that these awards are not for competition, but they are of cultural significance. I want to thank those who brought us here for the work they have done.”
Zane Lucas from Reps Theatre scooped the outstanding director’s award.
Soccer legend Peter Ndlovu received standing ovation when he appeared at the venue.
Jeys Marabini did a piece mourning late and great musicians such as Cephas “Motomuzhinji” Mashakada, Sam Mtukudzi and soccer legend Adam Ndlovu.
Comedian Carl Joshua Ncube left the audience in stitches when he took a swipe at Desmond Chideme aka Stunner who appeared in a controversial sex video last year with Pokelo.
He also took a dig on Big Brother Africa housemate Maneta.
The other winners are: Outstanding Comedian Carl Joshua Ncube; Outstanding Poet Tatatenda Chinoda; Outstanding Fiction Book The Incubus by Samachai Kawnge; Outstanding Children’s book My Daughter by Albert Nyathi; Outstanding first creative published work Once a lover always a fool by Philani Nyoni; Outstanding 3 dimensional work Unto us a child was given by Israel Israel; Outstanding exhibition The psycho by Dagina Jogi; Outstanding Journalist Print Mtandazo Dube; Outstanding Journalist Television Siphiso Mpofu; Outstanding online media Zimbojam; Outstanding Dance group Magesh; Outstanding female dancer Siphephiso Magonya Iyasa; Outstanding male dancer Arthur Ndlovu Magesh; Outstanding choreographer Brian Geza National Ballet; Outstanding Actress Qeqeshiwe Mntando in Suku; Outstanding music video Amai bhoyi by Juntao; Outstandin screen production Delete Shupai Kamunyaro; Outstanding female musician Hope Masike; Outstanding male musician Sulumani Chimbetu; Outstanding song Love yemusoja by Sniper Storm; Outstanding album Syllabus Sulumani Chimbetu; Special Awards promoter of the year Chipaz; National Arts Service Awards Mokoomba People’s choice awards Sulumani Chimbetu and Arts personality of the year Oliver Mtukudzi.
