The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) has officially opened the voting process for the coveted People’s Choice Award, inviting members of the public, journalists, and other stakeholders to cast their votes for their favorite Zimbabwean artist. This announcement was made on Friday by Tinashe Kitchen, NAMA’s director, who emphasized the importance of this category as a unique opportunity for the people of Zimbabwe to directly influence the recognition of outstanding artists across various genres.
In a statement, Kitchen expressed that the People’s Choice Award stands out from other awards because it is the only category where the public plays a direct role in selecting the winner. “This press release serves to notify members of the press, the general public, and relevant stakeholders that the 23rd Edition of the National Arts Merit Awards has officially opened its call for nominations for the NAMA People’s Choice Award,” Kitchen said. He added that the award reflects the diverse and dynamic nature of Zimbabwe’s artistic community.
The People’s Choice Award allows the public to nominate and vote for Zimbabwean artists from a wide range of creative fields, including music, dance, theatre, literature, spoken word, comedy, visual arts, as well as television and radio. This inclusivity ensures that all forms of artistic expression are recognized, making it a celebration of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Artists who have had a significant impact in their respective genres throughout the year are eligible to be nominated for this prestigious award.
The process for selecting the People’s Choice Award winner is simple. Nominations for the award will close on February 5, 2025, after which the top five nominees will be announced. These nominees will then be put forward for public voting, with the winner determined by the votes cast by fans and supporters of the arts. This gives the Zimbabwean public the power to influence who receives this honor, based on the artists’ contributions to the cultural landscape in the past year.
To cast their votes, members of the public are encouraged to engage with NAMA’s social media platforms and visit the official voting site on gatewaystream.com. These platforms offer an accessible and convenient way for people to participate, ensuring that the voting process is open to all Zimbabweans, regardless of location. The use of digital platforms reflects NAMA’s commitment to making the awards more inclusive and interactive in the digital age.
The People’s Choice Award is always one of the most highly anticipated categories in the NAMA ceremony, as it reflects the collective voice of the public. Last year’s winner of the People’s Choice Award was the inimitable Zimdancehall musician Wallace Chirimuko, better known as Winky D. Winky D’s win was a testament to his popularity and influence within Zimbabwe’s music scene, particularly in the Zimdancehall genre, which has a large and dedicated fanbase.
The public’s engagement with the awards highlights the growing interest in recognizing local talent and celebrating the achievements of Zimbabwean artists. For many artists, winning the People’s Choice Award can be a game-changer in their careers, providing increased exposure and recognition. It is also an important tool for encouraging greater support for local artistry, fostering a sense of pride and unity in Zimbabwe’s cultural identity.
With the 23rd edition of the National Arts Merit Awards on the horizon, the excitement around the People’s Choice Award is already building. Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the nominees and are gearing up to vote for the artists they believe have made the most significant impact in their respective genres. The NAMA ceremony itself will be a culmination of the year’s best in the arts, but the People’s Choice Award remains one of the most heartwarming aspects of the event, as it truly celebrates the power of the people in shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s creative industries.
As the nomination deadline approaches, the anticipation continues to grow, with artists and fans alike excited to see who will be crowned the next recipient of the People’s Choice Award at the 23rd NAMA ceremony.
In other news – Alick Macheso to headline a free show at Rufaro Stadium
Sungura maestro Alick Macheso is set to kick off his 2025 showbiz calendar with an exciting and highly anticipated free event at Rufaro Stadium in Harare on January 25. This electrifying celebration will not only mark Alick Macheso’s first performance of the year but also coincide with the launch of Swan Valley cigarettes, making for an unforgettable day of entertainment.
The event promises to be a dynamic fusion of music, soccer, and cultural celebration, featuring an all-star lineup of Zimbabwe’s top performers. Read More
