Zim: Winky D and Jah Prayzah shine at NAMAs

The 16th edition of the NAMAs was held at the 7 Arts Theatre in the Zimbabwean capital.

The two artists expressed their excitement on social media, with Winky D, who boasts a Facebook following of 197 000 fans, thanking his devotees. “I hereby congratulate you all on the winning of the 16th NAMA awards Outstanding Album Gafa Futi and People's Choice Award,” he said.

“Indeed when spiders unite, they can tie a lion. You have shown me that together we go beyond any horizon.”

Jah Prayzer, who had amassed eight NAMAS under his belt before Saturday, said, “I continue to be humbled by your support. Thank you NAMA.”

Winky D’s album Gafa Futi beat Jah Prayzah’s Mdhara Vachauya and Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave’s Huya Uone Zvakuitika in the Outstanding Album category. Winky D also retained the People’s Choice Award, an accolade that has ranked him as the country’s best for the second time in a row.

Meanwhile, Jah Prayzah outclassed Winky D and Takura Shonai in the Outstanding Male Musician category. He also outshone Killer T, Njabulo Nkomo and Ammara Brown in the Outstanding Song category with the track ‘Mdhara Vachauya’.

The NAMAs are best known for acknowledging artists who have exceeded in creative sectors such as music, film and television, theatre and drama, literature, creative art and visual arts. The popular event was founded in February 2002 by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.

List of 2017 NAMA winners:

Music Awards

Outstanding Female Musician – Ammara Brown

Outstanding Male Musician – Jah Prayzah

Outstanding Album – Gafa Futi by Winky D

Outstanding Song – ‘Mdhara Vachauya’ by Jah Prayzah

Outstanding Music Video – ‘Zino Irema (Ndirikukuwonai Zvangu)’ by Andy Cutta Sobhuza ft Takura

Special Awards

Outstanding Promoter – 2 Kings Entertainment

People’s Choice Awards – Winky D

Media Awardszi 

Outstanding Online Media – Zimbuzz