Winky D Triumphs at NAMA 2023, Celebrating Diverse Artistic Talents

Winky D won the People’s Choice award at the National Arts Merits Awards for the second year, reaffirming his status as Zimbabwe’s foremost dancehall artist. The event recognized a variety of talents in dance, visual arts, spoken word, theatre, literary arts, and music, highlighting the creative achievements within the country. NewZimbabwe.com praised the event’s successful execution.

The National Arts Merits Award (NAMA) ceremony celebrated its winners recently in Harare, highlighting the achievements of artists across various disciplines. Renowned Zimbabwean dancehall artist Wallace Chirumiko, commonly known as Winky D, once again emerged as the People’s Choice, solidifying his status as the leading figure in the Zimbabwean music industry for the second consecutive year. The event was a vibrant display of talent and creativity across different art forms, and NewZimbabwe.com commends the organizers for executing a successful gala.

The awards were categorized into multiple sectors, each recognizing outstanding contributions:

Dance Awards:
– Outstanding Female Dancer: Celine Madziva (“Respect My Team”)
– Outstanding Male Dancer: Tichaona “Hero” Chikara (“Into the Light”)
– Outstanding Dance Group/Production: Khaya Arts Productions (“UniAfrica”)
– Outstanding Choreographer: Future Dube (Khaya Arts Productions).

Visual Arts Awards:
– Outstanding Male Visual Artist: Moffat Takadiwa
– Outstanding Female Visual Artist: Portia Zvavahera
– Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist: Kundai Nathan
– Outstanding Exhibition: 6th Venice Biennale, curated by Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa.

Spoken Word Awards:
– Outstanding Poet: Kudakwashe Rice
– Outstanding Social Media Skits: Panashe Gurende aka Moojaya
– Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian: Mukudzei Majoni aka King Kandoro.

Theatre Awards:
– Outstanding Actress: Caroline Mashingaidze Zimbizi (“Family Riots”)
– Outstanding Actor: Michael Kudakwashe (“Family Riots”)
– Outstanding Theatrical Production: “The Aftermath” by Patsimeredu Trust
– Outstanding Director: Everson Ndlovu (“Haywire”)
– Outstanding Playwright: Leonard Matsa (“Promise”).

Literary Arts Awards:
– Outstanding First Published Work: “Zagamo the War Within” by Ray Mawerera
– Outstanding Children’s Book: “Chimbira Nedzimwe Ngano” by Primrose Dzenga
– Outstanding Fiction Book: “Weeping Tomato” by Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure
– Outstanding Non-Fiction Book: “Entrepreneurial Success” by Divine Simbi-Ndlhukula.

Film & Television Awards:
– Outstanding Actress: Munashe Goromonzi (“The November Promise”)
– Outstanding Actor: Skanyiso Ngwenya (“Rise”)
– Outstanding Music Video: “Nhemamusasa” by Bagga
– Outstanding Screen Production (Television): “The DNA Show”
– Outstanding Screen Production (Short film): “Dollar”
– Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length film): “Nhoroondo.”

Music Awards:
– Outstanding Female Musician: Thamsanqa Moyo aka Tamy Moyo
– Outstanding Male Musician: Hillary Marufu aka Master H
– Outstanding Breakthrough Musician: Gift Kudakwashe Hombarume aka Chill Master
– Outstanding Music Group: The Unveiled
– Outstanding Song: “Kana Ndanyura” by Kelvin Kusikwenyu aka Killer T
– Outstanding Album: “NOP Makoni” by Nkosilathi Sibiya aka Voltz JT.

Special Awards:
– Promoter of the Year: Event Hulks
– Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora: Masimba Hwati (Visual Artist) in Poland
– Arts Service Award: Prince Edward School
– Arts Personality Award: Partson Chimbodza
– Lifetime Achievement Award: Philip Svosve.

In summary, the National Arts Merits Award 2023 celebrated a diverse array of talented artists across various sectors, with Winky D reaffirming his reign in the music industry as the People’s Choice. The ceremony showcased artistic excellence in dance, visual arts, spoken word, theatre, literary arts, film, and television, while special awards recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to the arts. The vibrant event underscores the flourishing creative landscape in Zimbabwe.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com