Harare is bracing for a monumental cultural “clash” as two of the biggest events on the 2024 entertainment calendar converge on the same night.
On February 28, the capital will be divided between the glitz of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) and the high-octane energy of the Hustle and Heritage concert, headlined by American rap mogul Rick Ross.
The National Arts Merit Awards, organized by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), remain the highest honour for local creatives.
Returning to Harare at the Rainbow Towers Hotel, the awards recognise outstanding achievements across several disciplines, including music, literary arts, film and television, dance and visual arts.
Often referred to as Zimbabwe’s “Grammys”, the Nama night is a strictly black-tie affair. It draws the country’s top diplomats, business leaders, and celebrities to the red carpet, providing a formal, sophisticated contrast to the rap energy pulsating across town.
While the arts elite gather at the Rainbow Towers, the Hippodrome in Braeside will be transformed into a hip-hop mecca.
Rick Ross, the “Biggest Boss” himself, returns to Zimbabwe for the first time since his debut 2022 performance at the HICC.
Known globally for his luxury-rap style and hits like Hustlin and Aston Martin Music, Ross’s presence serves as a massive “co-sign” for the Zimbabwean live music circuit.
Titled Hustle and Heritage, the show aims to blend international urban culture with Zimbabwean pride, featuring a lineup of local heavyweights to complement the American icon.
The scheduling of these two events on February 28 has created a unique “good problem” for Harare's socialites and party lovers.
Whether one chooses the prestige of the podium or the bass of the booth, the night is a testament to the city's booming entertainment economy.
With both venues expected to reach capacity, the date marks a rare moment where the nation's heritage and the world's hustle share the same spotlight.