Stakeholders express discontent over NAMA awards

Audrey Galawu

The 22nd edition of the National Arts Merits Awards which took place over the weekend have been widely criticised for being biased and failing to award “deserving” artists.

This comes as some of the entertainment’s big artists failed to take home any awards, including Saint Floew, Holy Ten and Voltz JT.

Some of the categories which sparked controversy include the Best Male Song which had Enzo Ishall’s Raroorwa, Jah Prayzah’s Chiremerera and Julian King’s One by One contending.

Many were left disappointed as Enzo Ishall took home the award with many questioning the credibility of the awards.

Enzo Ishall also scooped the Outstanding Male Musician, ahead of Saint Floew and Msiz’Kay with others arguing that Saint Floew worked harder than Enzo Ishall in the past year.

Nash Paints founder and Saint Floew’s promoter, Tinashe Mutarisi, expressed his discontentment stating that Saint Floew deserved to be recognised at the awards for the work he did in the previous year.

“I was disappointed and hurt when Saint Floew didn’t win. I was there the whole time when he was working hard, I can testify to the work he has been doing. We were all convinced that he was going to win. His song with Julian King was supposed to be the song of the year and he was also supposed to win the Outstanding Male Award of the year. I have never complained about the NAMA awards but this time, I am.

“For the People’s Choice award, we had already agreed that Winky D was going to win without doubt but this one hurts,” he said.

Commenting on the awards, social media personality Shadaya also questioned the criteria for choosing the deserving best after rallying behind Holy Ten whom he said deserved the award.

“These NAMA awards are a scam. Like him or not, Holy Ten deserved Best Male best song and even best album, the whole 2023 akarira.

“Even best newcomer, Bagga, was robbed. Outstanding social media skit, Mama Vee we get it he is good (his community has to be represented) but come on, where is Chief Ben, Allen Skits and Comic Elder.

“Only rightful thing was Winky D winning People’s Choice Awards, they could have rigged him if they wanted to.

“And how does the biggest event in the entertainment industry happen without many people knowing about it. Poor marketing,” he said.

Hip Pop artist, Young Gemini said the awards are biased.

“I’ve said it before and I will say it again, disband the namsazim board and start over with youths who know streaming. Hope Masike and team, If you don’t respect artists’ hard work, blood, sweat and tears then don’t call these awards merit-based”.

Speaking to Zim Now, chairperson of the NAMA adjudication committee, Hope Masike said they would release a statement giving more insight on the criteria used for the awards.