RADIO personality and news anchor Nicole Jamu, popularly known as Queen Nicole, has been confirmed as the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama23) Red Carpet host set for the Hippodrome Conference Centre in Braeside, Harare, on March 1.
The highly-anticipated national flagship arts event will feature a star-studded line-up of musical performances by Hwinza, Shashl, Jah Prayzah, Nissan TS, Joyful Praise, Sylent Nqo, Bagga, Briyand, Denilson, Probeatz, Atenda Chinx and Misheck Mahendere.
Nama23 shall run under the theme #Afrofuturism as the crème de la crème in Zimbabwe’s arts and entertainment industry gather to celebrate the best of the best.
Known for her infectious energy, impeccable style and quick wit, Queen Nicole is more than excited to take the reins and set the pace for a night to remember.
With her flair for drama and the extraordinary, she will undoubtedly bring a touch of glamour and sophistication to the red carpet, inspiring guests to strut their stuff and strike a pose for the cameras.
One exciting thing about the red-carpet event
It will one day provide the baseline data for making photography an arts discipline that deserves recognition as an arts category at the future Namas.
The music entertainment shall provide the audience with diverse Zimbabwean talent.
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The nominees in the music categories alone are a reflection of the fruitful results that have been yielded by the recently launched National Music Strategy and the National Film Strategy.
The Outstanding Female Music category has Ashleigh Angel Moyo, aka Shashl, Janet Manyowa and Thamsanqa Moyo, aka Tamy Moyo, in competition, whereas the Outstanding Male Musician category will see Emergy Chizanga, aka Freeman HKD, Hillary Marufu, aka Master H, and Tawanda Mambo, aka Saintfloew, racing for the gong.
The Outstanding Breakthrough Musician (formerly known as Outstanding Up-and-coming Musician) category has Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa, aka Nisha Ts and Tania Seremwe,, aka Young Gemini and Gift Kudakwashe Hombarume, aka Chillmaster.
In the Outstanding Music Group, competition will be between Joyful Praise, Shower Power and The Unveiled.
The Outstanding Song Merit race is between Madiro by Kudakwashe Chapepa, aka Kae Chaps, Kana Ndanyura by Kelvin Kusikwenyu, aka Killer T, Gore Rino by Tembalami Tagwirei ft The Unveiled, Denga by Simbarashe Magado, aka Hwinza and Gore remix by Isamel Whisky, aka 216 Whisky ft various artistes.
The Outstanding Album contest is among the people’s favourites like Me vs Me by Freeman, NOP Makoni by Nkosilathi Sibiya, aka Voltz JT, and Trap Yevafundisi by Saintfloew.
NewsDay (ND) Life & Style caught up with Queen Nicole (QN) and below are snippets from the conversation:
ND: Congratulations Queen Nicole for being chosen Nama Red Carpet host. Introduce yourself and take us through what it feels to be the 23rd Nama host.
QN: I’m Nicole Jamu, a media personality with a passion for arts and culture.
I’m thrilled to be hosting the Nama Red Carpet for the first time, and I’m honoured to be part of this prestigious event that celebrates Zimbabwean talent.
As the 23rd Nama host, I feel a sense of pride and responsibility to bring excitement and glamour to the red carpet.
ND: What’s your understanding of the Red Carpet event?
QN: To me, the Red Carpet event is a celebration of style, glamour and creativity.
It’s a platform where artists, celebrities and influencers come together to showcase their personalities, fashion sense and achievements.
The Red Carpet is a precursor to the main event, setting the tone for a night of excitement and recognition.
ND: The Red Carpet usually happens before the actual event. What significance does it hold?
QN: The Red Carpet is importance as it sets the stage for the main event.
It’s an opportunity for attendees to make a statement, showcase their fashion sense and get a glimpse of what’s to come.
The Red Carpet also provides a platform for media and photographers to capture memorable moments, creating buzz and excitement around the event.
This year, I’m particularly excited to see how the theme Afrofuturism will be brought to life on the Red Carpet, giving a futuristic take on Africa and adding an extra layer of significance to the event.
ND: What needs to be improved in the local arts industry?
QN: I believe Zimbabwe has immense talent and potential in the arts.
To take it to the next level, I think we need to focus on developing infrastructure, providing resources and support for emerging artists, and creating more platforms for showcasing local talent.
Additionally, we need to promote arts education and appreciation, encouraging more people to engage with and support the local arts scene.
ND: Closing remarks . . .
QN: I’m excited to be part of the Nama Red Carpet and to contribute to the celebration of Zimbabwean arts and culture.
I’m looking forward to meeting the nominees, performers and attendees, and to being part of an unforgettable night of glamour and recognition.
Thank you for having me.
