The event had been scheduled for Bulawayo after massive calls to decentralise the awards that have been held in Harare since inception more than 10 years ago.
Hosts of the awards, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) announced this week that the awards have been moved back to Harare.“This comes after extensive consultations with hosting partners, Amakhosi, whose assessment of on-the-ground preparedness has revealed inadequacy of resources,” said Donald Chidoori, NACZ marketing and communications manager.
Amakhosi’s Artistic Director, Cont Mhlanga said: “Much as we may want to bring the prestigious event to the City of Kings, it is important to note that we are not ready for something of this magnitude.”
Chidoori said besides them being committed to taking Nama to Bulawayo in partnership with Amakhosi, the move had intensive budgetary implications, demanding more than doubling the fundraising efforts to make the event a success.
He said in an effort to uphold the quality and standards of the event, the NACZ has accepted recommendations by Amakhosi and other stakeholders to tain Nama at its traditional venue until there is all-round readiness to ensure that the event is held outside the capital successfully so that it maintains its brand as the highlight of celebrating milestones in the arts and culture sector.
Meanwhile the Chidoori reminded that the deadline for the submission of Nama entries remains November 30.“We would like to remind all participants that the deadline for submission of material for the awards remains November 30. We encourage artists to submit their works on time,” said Chidoori.
