NAMA23 Hosts Announced
The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) have unveiled Nabeelah Jogee and Charlene Mangweni-Furusa as the hosts for their 23rd edition.
This announcement marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time the prestigious event features an all-female hosting duo.
Jogee, renowned for her work on the morning show Good Morning Zimbabwe, will serve as the main host. Her experience as a seasoned television presenter brings a dynamic edge to the event.
Supporting her is Mrs. Mangweni-Furusa, a previous NAMA Award winner celebrated for her contributions to film and radio. Known for her roles as an actress, director, and presenter, she will lend her voice as the event’s official voice-over host.
The organizers have expressed enthusiasm about the impact of this collaboration, noting that the duo embodies the theme of this year’s awards, #Afrofuturism. “We are excited to see how this partnership will elevate NAMA to the next level,” read a statement from the organizers.
Meanwhile, the awards ceremony has also announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Miss Deaf Zimbabwe Trust.
This collaboration aims to promote inclusivity in the arts by integrating sign language interpretation, performances, and model showcases into both the build-up events and the main awards ceremony.
The partnership aligns with NAMA’s vision of fostering diversity and innovation in Zimbabwean arts.
“This deliberate effort to include the differently-abled is a significant step toward ensuring greater participation in shaping the present and future of the arts,” the statement added.
The 23rd NAMA edition is set to celebrate the richness of Zimbabwean culture while embracing a forward-looking approach. Both the all-female hosting team and the inclusive partnership reflect the event’s commitment to breaking barriers and setting new standards.
