Winky D Tops NAMA Awards, Celebrating Zimbabwe’s Artistic Excellence

Winky D claimed the NAMA People’s Choice award again, asserting his dominance in Zim dancehall. The event honored various artists across categories, including dance, visual arts, theatre, literature, film, and music, celebrating their significant contributions to the artistic landscape of Zimbabwe.

The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) recently celebrated the achievements of various artists in Zimbabwe, with Wallace Chirumiko, best known as Winky D, emerging as the winner of the coveted People’s Choice award for the second consecutive year. The prestigious event took place in Harare on Saturday night, highlighting the depth of talent within the country’s arts scene. NewZimbabwe.com congratulated the NAMA organizers for orchestrating a successful and colorful ceremony.

The winners across different categories were recognized for their artistic contributions, including:
1. Dance Awards: Outstanding Female Dancer – Celine Madziva; Outstanding Male Dancer – Tichaona “Hero” Chikara; Outstanding Dance Group – Khaya Arts Productions; Outstanding Choreographer – Future Dube.
2. Visual Arts Awards: Outstanding Male Visual Artist – Moffat Takadiwa; Outstanding Female Visual Artist – Portia Zvavahera; Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist – Kundai Nathan; Outstanding Exhibition – the 6th Venice Biennale.
3. Spoken Word Awards: Outstanding Poet – Kudakwashe Rice; Outstanding Skits – Panashe Gurende aka Moojaya; Outstanding Comedian – Mukudzei Majoni aka King Kandoro.
4. Theatre Awards: Outstanding Actress – Caroline Mashingaidze; Outstanding Actor – Michael Kudakwashe; Outstanding Production – The Aftermath; Outstanding Director – Everson Ndlovu; Outstanding Playwright – Leonard Matsa.
5. Literary Arts Awards: Outstanding First Published Work – Ray Mawerera; Outstanding Children’s Book – Primrose Dzenga; Outstanding Fiction Book – Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure; Outstanding Non-Fiction Work – Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula.
6. Film & Television Awards: Outstanding Actress – Munashe Goromonzi; Outstanding Actor – Skanyiso Ngwenya; Outstanding Music Video – Nhemamusasa; Outstanding Production – The DNA Show; Outstanding Short Film – Dollar; Outstanding Full-Length Film – Nhoroondo.
7. Music Awards: Outstanding Female Musician – Thamsanqa Moyo; Outstanding Male Musician – Hillary Marufu; Outstanding Breakthrough Musician – Gift Kudakwashe; Outstanding Music Group – The Unveiled; Outstanding Song – Kana Ndanyura; Outstanding Album – NOP Makoni.
8. Special Awards: Promoter of the Year – Event Hulks; Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora – Masimba Hwati; Arts Service Award – Prince Edward School; Arts Personality Award – Partson Chimbodza; Lifetime Achievement Award – Philip Svosve; People’s Choice Award – Winky D.

The NAMA ceremony served as a powerful platform to celebrate outstanding contributions to the arts in Zimbabwe, with notable winners across multiple categories reflecting the nation’s vibrant cultural scene. Winky D’s recognition as the People’s Choice for the second year demonstrates his continuing influence and popularity among Zimbabwean audiences. This year’s event successfully showcased the country’s diverse talent and artistic achievements, affirming the importance of the arts in national identity.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com