The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), organizer of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), has for the better part of last week faced controversy over its award for best music video.
The award was given to music singer Tahle Wedzinza for the video for the song Damage, the visuals of which have not yet been released to the public.
Critics argued that the video did not meet Nama’s submission requirements.
But Nama’s acting director, Josiah Kosina, defended the decision and explained that the video had been released but not to the public.
He said: “The music video is a work published and circulated at international film festivals, and it was not placed on YouTube or other social media platforms as the audience expects.”
“The judges chairing the Film and Television category undertook a thorough examination of the compliance issues of the video and were duly satisfied that it was a published work.”
Tahle Wedzinza’s management issued a statement distancing it from the submission and award.
They explained that Jonathan Samukang made the video independently to showcase his work using Wedzinza music.
“Tahle Wedzinza has always collaborated with other artists,” the statement read.
“The application in question was submitted by film producer Jonathan Samukang in his capacity as a film director, and not by Tahili Widzinza in her capacity as a musician.
“This is not the first time that artists have approached us to use Tahl music to showcase their skills and craft.
“The award, in essence, was given to Jonathan Samukang for directing the music video.
“That’s why those who watched the namas. Jonathan Samukang of DreamHaus received the award as a film director because he was the applicant, not Tahle Wedzinza.
“The Nama Award is not hers, and she never accepted it.”
Kosina also discussed the possibility of holding a Nama ceremony outside the capital, Harare.
He stated that hosting the awards in Bulawayo and other provinces is a possible future consideration.
“Bulawayo has supported Nama tremendously through our invited guests, VIPs, residents, service providers and visitors,” Kosina said.
“The performance of the national anthem by Thala and Dzinza was an amazing performance.
“The live shows were all amazing.
“The audience was generous in attendance. Nama Bulawayo was a great show to remember.
“The possibility of holding a Nama in Bulawayo and other provinces always remains a possibility.” standard