NOMINATIONS for the second edition of Emmanuel and Ruth Makandiwa Invitational Concert Awards Night (Permican) awards to be held at the City Sports Centre on September 19 under the auspices of Christ TV are now out, in what promises to be a stiff showdown between local gospel greats in 17 categories.
BY KENNEDY NYAVAYA
Although there was a negative reaction over the unclear nomination and awarding process at the inaugural event last year, this year’s nominees’ list was released yesterday during a press briefing in Harare.
Of the 17 categories, however, Best Male Artiste, Best Female Artiste, Song of the Year and Best Radio Show are going to be voted for through short message service (SMS) lines that are already open while three judges will convene over the other categories.
Speaking to NewsDay on the side- lines of the briefing, Christ TV director, Pastor Ted Lazaro, said they had stepped up the standard of the awards.
“Last year was mainly experimental for us, but that actually blew us away in that the response was amazing because almost all the artistes we called came and from that time till now, artistes have been sending material.
“This year we are launching what we call the Permican Trust where we are going to be getting foreign professionals to come and do workshops with local artistes so that we get that professionalism to up the game for our gospel industry, making it more competitive,” said Lazaro.
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He said they have recognised positive changes in local gospel music since the inception of the awards as artistes have upgraded their productions.
“From that time [inaugural awards] till now, local gospel music has grown more than what we had expected and artistes are now a bit more serious in producing music,” said Lazaro.
Zimpraise and United Family International Church (UFIC) choirs are set for a tight contest in two group categories while Takesure Zamar of the Kuregerera in Advance fame is the most nominated male, along with the songstress Janet Manyowa.
Categories also include Songwriter of the Year, Best Collaboration, Most-Viewed Song of the Year, Video of the Year, Best Group/ Duo, Best Live DVD, Best Newcomer, Best Traditional, Video Director of the Year, Album of the Year and Legend Award, which will be presented to some of the gospel veterans on the night.
Christ TV is the official channel of UFIC led by Makandiwa.
