THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe yesterday announced the nominees for the 19th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) as follows;

1. SPOKEN WORD AWARDS

Outstanding Poet

Tanaka Effort Chuma
Sithembile Siqhoza Ndebele aka Zingizwanizinja
Tatenda Murigo

Outstanding Comedian

Learnmore Mwanyenyeka aka Long John
Hubert Dumisani Ndlovu aka MaForty
Andrew Manyika

2. LITERARY ARTS AWARDS

Outstanding First Creative Published Book

Hatiponi by Oscar Gwiriri [Progressive Booksellers & Publishers] A People’s Fight by Fradreck Hombiro [Hombiro Media Company] Nharo Dzemusango by Chenjerai Mazambani [Bhabhu Books]

Special Mention

Ensukwini Zalamhla by Onesimo Mpofu [Onesimo Mpofu]

Outstanding Children’s Book

Songs of the Little Creatures by Phumulani Chipandambira [Chipandambira Archives] Chitima Nditakure by Oscar Gwiriri [Progressive Booksellers & Publishers] Kuku Wins the President’s Clean Environment Award by Aleck Kaposa [Essential Books Publishing Company]

Outstanding Fiction Book

Shasha Dzokurera by Marcilyn Mugariri [Marcilyn Mugariri] Chasing the Wind by Phillip Chidavaenzi [Royalty Books] Out of Darkness, Shining Light by Petina Gappah [Scribner]

Outstanding Poetry Book

Rhyme and Resistance by Stanley Mushava [Underclass books and Films] Under My Skin by Prince Rayanne Chidzvondo [Prince Rayane Chidzvondo] Agringanda Like a Gringa Like a Foreigner by Tariro Ndoro [Modjaji Books]

Special Mention

Nhambetambe by Phumulani Chipandamira [Chipandambira Archive]

3. THEATRE AWARDS

Outstanding Actor

Ronald Madodana Sigeca in Imbokodo
Anthony Mazhetese in The Gang Leader
Ngonidzashe Chikowore in Inside out
Liberty Mwenje Mthole in Inside out

Outstanding Actress

Davina Green in The Gang leader
Charmaine Mudau in Imbokodo
Agnes Ncube in Imbokodo

Outstanding Theatrical Production

The Gang Leader by Zim Theatre Academy
Bongile by Chiedza Makwara
Imbokodo by Nhimbe Trust

Outstanding Director

Yeukai Yvonne Chandiposha of Bongile
Teddy Mangawa of Gang Leader
Norbert Makoche of Imbokodo

4. DANCE AWARDS

Outstanding Female Dancer

Michelle Msopero in Sobahle
Lynsey Nyamakwenje in Infinite Possibilities
Dadirai Mupandawana in Ezimnyama Dance Group

Outstanding Male Dancer

Tawanda Tanaka Fireyi in My journey to the International Scene
Tichaona Chikara in Hero’s +
Selemani Mpochi aka Majuice in Ochestra Mberikwazvo

Outstanding Dance Group

No nominees

Outstanding Choreographer

No nominee

5. VISUAL ARTS AWARDS

Outstanding 2 Dimensional Work

Cyclone Idai where is Mommy? by Calvin Chimutuwah
Revolutionary Freshness by Talent Kapadza
Focusing on Green Economy by Webster Mubayirenyi

Outstanding 3 Dimensional Work

My Sister Loves Me by Rufaro Murenza
Ancestral Family by Nichodimus T. Mutasa
Tribute to the mother of generations by Stanley Mutanga

Outstanding Mix Media Work

Kurima Hohwa by Victor Nyakauru
Distorted History by Anthony Bumhira
Rehab Queen by Calvin Chimutuwah

Outstanding Exhibition

Pieces for Peace, Pieces, Revolutionary Freshness by Talent Kapadza & Schuma Herscovitz
Purple Rhythm by Calvin and Prudence Chimutuwah
Engaging the 45th Year by Helen Leroys

6. FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS

Outstanding Actress

Charmaine Mudau as Bonke in Another wedding
Antoinette Sango as Thandi in Mandla
Sarah Mpofu Sibanda as Thalitha in Home Affairs

Outstanding Actor

Godfrey Chivese as Mile in The Call
Brian Chitongo as Mandimutsa in Kuchina the Genesis
Percy Soko as Mandla in Mandla

Outstanding Music Video

Tichichema Produced by Edible Elevens ft. Ammara Brown
Sunshine City Produced by Kalai Faye Barlow ft. Flying Bantu
Kure (remix) Produced by Kudzai Maneswa ft. Ishan
Bless Produced by Kalai Faye Barlow ft Ammy and The Calamities

Outstanding Screen Production (Television Series)

Muzita Rababa Directed by Shem Zemura
Dudzai Directed by Farai Mungoshi
Mandla Directed by Solomon Mandaza

Special mention

Pink and Purple Directed by Mthabisi Onias Ndlovu

Outstanding Screen Production – Short Film

Redefining the Road Directed by Tapiwa Gambira
The Call Directed by Godfrey Chivese
Home Affairs Directed by Elton Sibanda

Outstanding Screen Production – Full Length Film

S’mbimbindo 3 Directed by Von Tavaziva
Stay with Me Directed by Nick Zemura
$400 Directed by Kudzai Chikomo

7. MEDIA AWARDS

Outstanding Journalist – Print

Kundai Marunya – Herald
Prince Tungamirai Mushawevato – Sunday Mail
Tafadzwa Kachiko – Newsday

Outstanding Journalist – Radio

Anesu Masamvu – ZiFM
Yvonne Tivatye – Star FM
Thulani Munyandu – National FM

Outstanding Journalist – Television

Patience Nyagato – ZBC
Alexio Gwenzi – ZBC
Masceline Bondamakara – ZBC

Outstanding Online Media

Zimcelebs
Zimbojam
Men on a Boat

8. MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding Newcomer

Isheanesu Chigagura aka Ishan
Panganayi Hare
Ngonidzashe Dondo aka King 98

Outstanding Female Musician

Thamsanqa Moyo aka Tammy Moyo
Janet Manyowa
Ammara Brown

Outstanding Male Musician

Wallace Chirumiko aka Winky D
Darlington Katsetsa aka Mambo Dhuterere
Tinashe Gonzara aka Ti Gonzi

Outstanding Album

Uhuru by Willis Kachambwa aka Willis Wataffi
Dare Guru by Darlington Katsetsa aka Mambo Dhuterere
Gango by Energy Chizanga aka Freeman

Outstanding Song

Ngaibake by Freeman ft Alick Macheso
Kure by Ishan ft Ti Gonzi
Mugarden by Winky D ft Gemma Griffiths
Mweya Ndisesekedze by Mambo Dhuterere

9. SPECIAL AWARDS

Promoter of the Year

D & G Promotions
Big Scale Entertainment
Ngoma NeHosho

Artist in the Diaspora

Vusa Mkhaya
Tapfuma Charles Katedza aka Charlie Kay
Gemma Griffiths
Norah Chipaumire

BY WINSTONE ANTONIO

PIONEERING pole dancer, Norleen “Zoey” Sifelani, is content with the results of her decision to expand her brief by offering sex lessons.

She recently added a massage parlour to her “sex school” based in Avondale, Harare, where she offers sex tutorials informed by the traditional Chinamwali practice where women are taught sex moves and positions to enhance their sex lives and relationships.

Sex tutorials

Zoey told NewsDay Life & Style that so far, she was happy with the results from the sex school.
“So far so good, both local and international women are coming for bedroom lessons and we are also offering our services at kitchen parties and other social gatherings that have anything to do with love and bedroom enhancement,” she said.

“I have taught a number of women with the help of my dancers since opening the academy and from the responses I am getting, women appreciate what I am doing for them. I am doing this to help fellow women who are in marriage. Women are supposed to be active during sex and that’s all I am teaching them.”

Brisk business

“The sex academy and massage parlour is paying more than the dancing profession as there are a number of ladies, who are hiring me in neighbouring countries like Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa to teach them how to spice up their bedroom acts. The ladies organise themselves into groups before getting in touch for the all-expenses paid trip,” she said.

Salivating men

“Several men salivate at me during my performances at live shows to the extent that some of them have been pestering me for sex as if they would rape me. That is why these days I have tight security at my shows. You know some men are never satisfied with their wives and I have come to accept that the only solution is not to entertain them off stage,” she said.

“Men must respect their marriages and wives. For those who are in the habit of pestering me for sex, I think it’s high time I name and shame. So, for them not to be embarrassed, I invite them to bring their wives for Chinamwali lessons and that is the only way they can get what they salivate for when I am on stage.”

I am not a prostitute

“When I offer bedroom lessons to fellow women, it does not mean I am a prostitute or advertising for sex, but what I am trying to do is to fill in a critical gap by playing the role of an aunt to women,” she said.

Off the stage

“When I wake up in the morning around 6 o’clock everyday, no matter how late I would have gone to bed, the first thing I do is to exercise so as to keep my body in good shape for continuous flexibility. If I have no shows, I spent most of my time at the dance academy or at the massage parlour,” she said.

Criticism

“As a pole dancer, I have been subjected to widespread criticism from religious figures and traditionalists, arguing that my activities represent the height of moral decadence in society, yet dancing is a profession just like any other,” she said.

“The criticism has, however, made me strong in showbiz and I will strive to get where I am destined with my career in showbiz.”

By NQOBANI NDLOVU

BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has threatened to drag South Africa’s Revenue Services (SARS) to court to recover its cremator which was impounded in 2017 over alleged “improper documentation”.

The cremator, which was imported from Japan, was impounded in South Africa while in transit to Bulawayo by the SARS which queried claims it was destined for the country.

Council had contracted a private company to purchase and deliver the cremator.

Chamber secretary Sikhangele Zhou told stakeholders on Thursday that council had since engaged lawyers to ensure the quick release of the cremator.

“The cremator has not been delivered. It is still in South Africa after it was impounded by SARS as its documentation was said to be fraught with irregularities. The contractor went to court, but there has been no joy.

“What we have done now is to engage our lawyers to push for the release of the cremator as it is easier to get it than a cash refund. We hope our lawyers will pursue the matter to our satisfaction,” Zhou told stakeholders attending a policy dialogue meeting on private contracting by the local authority on Thursday.

The event was organised by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents’ Association (BPRA) and was attended by various stakeholders from council, academia, the private sector, legal experts, civic society and residents.

BPRA co-ordinator Emmanuel Ndlovu said the meeting was necessary to “understand the merits of contracting-out key service delivery functions to private firms as opposed to producing in-house”.

“The purpose of the meeting was to find out the measures that are in place to make sure that the terms and conditions of contracts are followed by the sub-contracted companies and to gain knowledge on how contracting out as a modality for delivering services to residents is managed from bidding, contract design, implementation to monitoring,” Ndlovu said.

Council has in the past lost millions of dollars in botched deals to contracted companies which provide shoddy services despite being paid handsomely for the job.

BY HENRY MHARA

DYNAMOS could have made the biggest coup in the current player transfer window after gazumping rivals to the signature of midfielder King Nadolo yesterday.

The attacking midfielder was the most sought-after player in local football after his exploits with relegated TelOne last season that saw him voted as one of the 11 Soccer Star of the Year finalists despite having played just half the season.

DeMbare spokesperson Tinashe Farawo yesterday said the pencil slim player, who is comfortable playing behind the strikers as well as a winger, had signed a one-year contract with the Harare giants. The deal is renewable at the end of the season.

“We have signed King Nadolo, who is arguably the best player in the local league at the moment.
This is a show of intent for this club. We have assembled a very good squad which we feel can challenge for honours. The grand plan is for us to return to Caf Champions League football, so we are preparing a team for that,” Farawo said.

Nadolo becomes the 13th player to be signed by Dynamos in the busy transfer window. Other notable new signings include Partson Jaure, Byron Madzokere, Jeansmith Mutudza and David Temwanjira.

But it is the capture of the exciting Nadolo that will thrill most Dynamos fans. He was eye-balled by many big clubs after the expiry of his contract at TelOne.

Well-resourced clubs such as Ngezi Platinum Stars, Harare City and FC Platinum were jostling for him and had hoped to use their huge financial muscles to get him.

In fact, FC Platinum had reportedly made it their top priority to sign the player.

Farawo explained how they convinced Nadolo to join their club, and ignore the overtures of other teams who could have offered better monies.

“In football, it’s not all about money as people might want to think. Dynamos is the biggest brand in local football and it’s a good platform for players to market themselves. We have told him if he can do well in the first six months of the season, teams from abroad will come knocking for his services. That is Dynamos for you. So in terms of marketing and career growth for players, we are the best in that regard.”

Nadolo was one of the outstanding players last season despite playing just five months before the end of the season.

He joined TelOne from South Africa halfway through the season, but managed to score 12 goals, just two shy of the player who won the golden boot award. His goals were, however, not enough to save TelOne from relegation. The player began his career at Dynamos where he played for the junior side, before leaving and went on to play for clubs like Highlanders and Division One sides in South Africa.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

TelOne coach Rahman Gumbo is plotting an instant return to the top-flight league following their relegation last season by assembling an experienced side after snapping up the duo of goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube and Simon Munawa.

Dube and Munawa have been training with the WiFi Boys since Wednesday after exiting Manica Diamonds and Chicken Inn, respectively.

Munawa was deemed excess baggage by Joey Antipas at Chicken Inn, while Dube left Manica Diamonds upon the expiry of his contract.

The arrival of Dube will be a relief to TelOne’s goalkeeping department after they lost Rapheal Pitisi to South Africa’s Madzivhandula, while Munawa replaces defensive midfielder Emmanuel Zinyama, who returned to his parent club, Harare City, after his loan contract lapsed.

Gumbo said that the pair was training with them although they were still in discussion with the team management over contracts.

“They are training with us, but for contractual items, the right people to comment are the executive,” he said. “We are setting a team that can give results and I hope we can succeed.”

They have already lost Innocent Zambezi, King Nadolo and Emmanuel Mandiranga, who are all hoping to join teams in the top-flight.

The WiFi Boys, though will need to be at their best in the Central Region Division One, as they are likely to compete for the sole promotional ticket with the John Nyikadzino-coached Sheasham, who narrowly lost the championship on the last day of the campaign.

Seasoned campaigners ZPC Munyati, Vumbachikwe and MSU will also give them a good run for their
money.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

THE Bulawayo Athletic Board (BAB) this year expects professional foreign athletes to grace the PPC Matopos 33-Miler Ultra Marathon which has been set for April 4.

BAB co-ordinates the country’s premier race in which PPC Zimbabwe partners leading sports timing information technology group Champion Chip Africa for electronic timing.

Board chairman Manuel Mpofu yesterday paid tribute to PPC Zimbabwe for their continued support for the race.

“We thank PPC for their continued support. Now that the date has been set I am sure they are working on the budget and the registration fees for this year. We are hoping that this year we will have one or two professional athletes from our neighbouring countries to challenge our own athletes to improve their times. We have had visitors in the past from South Africa and Botswana who take part in the veterans and grandmasters categories. We also expect to improve on the numbers,” Mpofu said.

The winning prizes for the athletes could be a deterrent for runners from outside the country, but the race makes a good preparation for South Africa’s prestigious Comrades Marathon which is run in June.

Confirming the date on its official Facebook page, PPC Zimbabwe said: “The date is set for the PPC Matopos Marathon and the journey begins towards April 4. Which marathon race are you running?

The countdown begins to the 2020 PPC Marathon on April 4. It is set to be another memorable experience in one of Zimbabwe’s magical wonders.”

The race starts at the centre of the Matopos National Park and takes a gruelling 53km course ending at the Bulawayo Athletic Club and incorporates a 21,1km half marathon, 10km and 5km fun runs on the same route.

Last year, PPC Zimbabwe poured in close to $50 000 in local currency compared to $16 000 the previous year with the winners of the 33-Miler getting $3 000 in the race which attracted over 3 000 athletes including wellness and fitness enthusiasts from across the country, compared to 2 000 in 2018.

Black Rhinos’ Andrew Chimbidzikai won the race in 3:12:22 with Blanket Mine’s Nkosiyazi Sibanda on the second spot to grab $2 250, while Airforce of Zimbabwe’s Peter Tumbare walked away $1 500 richer after coming third.

Mr Pace’s Chiedza Chokera won the women’s race with Mucheneta Gwata coming second, while Monica Kativhu finished third.

Moses Taranyika won the men’s half marathon to pick up $1 500 with Caroline Mhandu crossing the line first in the women’s category.

BY SIBONGINKOSI MAPHOSA

CHILDLINE Zimbabwe has partnered with Internet Watch Foundation to set up a portal that will report online child abuse.

Childline spokesperson Butler Nhepure said the development came at an opportune time when cases of online violence against children were on the increase.

“This is one of the many methods we can use to protect our children from digital space vices,” he said.

Nhepure said the threat to children was fast moving from the physical to the digital space because of technological advancement.

“Due to the advancement of technology, the physical space is becoming less of a problem compared to the digital space where children are concerned. A lot of abuse happens to children online and there is absolute need to protect children from these ills,” he added.

Nhepure said although the portal was hosted by Childline, it belonged to everyone just like their 116 toll-free helpline as they partnered with service providers like Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the Information Communication Technology ministry, the Department of Social Welfare, police and other stakeholders.

Internet Watch Foundation development manager Jenny Thornton said the portal would report and instantly block online child sexual abuse.

Thornton also highlighted that the portal would go a long way in reducing online child abuse by blocking any pages that promote the abuse of young children.

Childline Zimbabwe also operates a 24-hour safe and confidential reporting platform under an emergency phone number – 116. The helpline encourages early reporting and response to child protection cases.

Internet Watch Foundation is an international organisation that strives to make the internet a safer space.