Zim: 2023 NAMAs announce nominees

A total of 1 266 entries were received in different disciplines, including music, film, television, media, literature, theatre, dance, spoken word and visual arts. At the close of the nomination period, there were 897 physical entries and 394 online entries.

Zimdancehall artist Freeman is leading the list with three nominations in the Outstanding Male Musician, Outstanding Song and Outstanding Album categories.

He is followed by Leo Magozz, Bling 4 and Brian Jeck received two nominations in the Outstanding Newcomer and Outstanding Song categories for their collaborative effort ‘Fire Emoji’. Dorcas Moyo, Baba Harare and Mark Ngwazi are also following closely behind with two nominations apiece. 

Competing for the Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora Award are Tanaka Fireyi (China), Sha Sha (South Africa), Tafara Nyatsanza (US) and Sibongile Mlambo (US).

“I would like to assure you that all entries submitted through all NAMA collection points were received and reviewed,” NAMAs adjudicators chairperson Hope Masike said. “The teams of adjudicators went through a rigorous process of shortlisting entries for final consideration by the panel of judges.”

“The quality of the submitted work was very varied in certain categories, whilst in others, competition was excitingly stiff. All work submitted from the different provinces went through the same adjudication process.”

Below is the full list of nominees:

Music Awards

Outstanding Newcomer

• Leo Magozz, Bling 4 and Brian Jeck
• Saint Floew
• Andrea The Vocalist

Outstanding Female Musician

• Feli Nandi
• Dorcas Moyo
• Sandra Ndebele

Outstanding Male Musician

• Mark Ngwazi
• Baba Harare
• Freeman

Outstanding Song

• ‘Tirikutandarara’ – Dorcas Moyo
• ‘Fire Emoji’ – Leo Magozz, Bling 4 and Brian Jeck
• ‘Zimbabwean Queen’ –  Freeman and Chris Martin

Outstanding Album

• Zimbabwean Giant – Baba Harare
• David and Goliath – Freeman  
• Nharo Nezvine Nharo – Mark Ngwazi

Outstanding Music Video

• ‘Changes in time (Mvura Yanaya)’ – Evicted, Directed by Vusa Hlatshwayo
• ‘Kamoto’ – Mwenje Mathole, Directed by Jonathana Samkange
• ‘Fight For Me’ – Mann Friday, Directed by Kalai Faye Barlow
• ‘Huya Tinamate’ – Gemma Griffith ft. Enzo Ishall, Directed by Kyle Brown

Special Awards

Promoter of the Year

• Matabeleland Natural Resources Management
• X-Mo Squad
• 2 Kings Entertainment
• Chipaz Promotion

Outstanding Artist In The Diaspora

• Tanaka Fireyi (China)
• Shasha (South Africa)
• Tafara Nyatsanza (US)
• Sibongile Mlambo (US)

Media Awards

Outstanding Journalist – Print

• Khumbulani Muleya – The Standard
• Nyadzombe Nyampenza – The Standard
• Tafadzwa Zimoyo – The Herald

Outstanding Journalist – Radio

• Owen Madondo – Star FM
• Anesu Masamvu – ZiFM
• Yvonne Tivatye – Star FM

Outstanding Journalist – Television

• Candice Mwakalyalya – ZTN
• Colette Musanyera – ZBC
• Takudzwa Chihambakwe – ZTN

Outstanding – Online Media

• Nash TV
• Bustop TV
• Earground

Dance Awards

Outstanding Female Dancer

• Praise Dube
• Ndomupeishe Chipendo
• Lesley Mushaninga

Outstanding Male Dancer

• Terrence Kapesa
• Sean Mambwere
• Devante Sangaza

Outstanding Dance Group

• Khaya Arts
• Salt and Light
• Elysium Magna Dance Theatre

Outstanding Dance Choreographer

• Future Dube
• Sean Mambwere
• Hillary Indi

Visual Arts Awards

Outstanding 3 Dimensional Work

• Working Together
• Celebrating Together
• Life is a Journey
• Reflection

Outstanding Mixed Media

• Looking Behind the Pot
• Mysterical Revealer
• A Long Way 2

Outstanding Exhibition

• Bold and Beautiful by Keith Zenda curated by Philip Butler & Keith Zenda
• A Book that Cannot be Read by Allison Baker curated by Fadzai Muchemwa
• Roots and Routes by Tamari & Natasha Kudita curated by Doreen Sibanda

Spoken Word Awards

Outstanding Poet

• Sithembile Siqoza
• Obert Dube
• Prince Ryanne Chidzvondo
• Ngoni Paradza aka Mambo Guramatunhu

Outstanding Comedian

• King Kandoro
• Andrew Manyika
• Tanyaradzwa Sena

Outstanding Social Media Skits

• Admire Mushambi aka Mama Vee
• Kudzanai Chengedza aka Mbuya vaPiyasoni
• Theophilus Chigumira aka Mai Kirifodhi

Theatre Awards

Outstanding Actor

• Shaun Mundawarara
• Musa Saruro
• Ishmael Muvingi

Outstanding Actress

• Caroline Yule
• Min’enhle Mguni
• Sandra Mpofu

Outstanding Theatrical Production

• Heartbreak Mafia
• The play that Goes Wrong
• Bayethe Nkosi

Outstanding Director

• Matesu Dube
• AneUnhu Gwatidzo
• Sue Bolt

Literary Awards

Outstanding First Creative Published Work

• The Madman on First Street and other stories
• 3.15am and other stories
• Monomotapa

Outstanding Children’s Book

• When the Sun Sets
• Let’s Enjoy Village Tales with Mbuya maDishi
• Sloba and the Chameleonaire

Outstanding Fiction Book

• The Quality of Mercy
• Intwasa Short Stories Vol. 2
• Chapwati

Outstanding Poetry Book

• Starfish Blossoms
• Ichibi Lezinkondlo
• I know why the Heart Sings

Film and Television Awards

Outstanding Actor

• Searchmore Takavada
• Shaun Mundawarara
• Farai Chigudu

Outstanding Actress

• Charity Mahowa-Matavo
• Sylvia Mavezera
• Chiedza Mhende

Outstanding Screen Production (Television)

• Intab’enkulu
• Viva Wenera
• Tangled

Outstanding Screen Production (Short Length Film)

• 3 Days in March
• Konflict
• A Stitch in Tim

Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length Film)

• Ngoda
• Just say Hello
• Benignity