BAA SELECTION CRITERIA QUERIED Albert Nyathi remembers Kamandama Mine victims
ONLY a few days after the nominees of the city’s maiden arts awards were announced, questions have been raised about the criteria used by the organisers to come up with winners of the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA).
After the nominee selection process, the organisers urged those that stand a chance to win in the 38 categories to pull their weight and start campaigning for votes from fans as the votes would go a long way in determining those who will walk away with the spoils on the night of the awards.
Judging by the spirited campaigns by those nominated across various social media platforms, the organisers’ call was heeded, with many artistes soliciting for votes from followers and fans.
However, some observers have questioned the path chosen by the BAA organisers, saying that the public was not knowledgeable enough about some of the categories to vote with fairness or insight.
“I might be the only award nominee to ever say this, but I won’t solicit votes for the Bulawayo Arts Awards. I’ll not reduce my career, on its last day, to a battle of popularity against a motivational book,” wrote award winning poet and author Philani Nyoni who is nominated in the Outstanding Literary Work category alongside Marshall Chiza.
In a similar vein, some have questioned the general public’s knowledge of artistes and their work in categories such as outstanding schools actress, outstanding designer, outstanding arts educator or outstanding visual artiste.
While those in music or television categories are visible enough to the general public, the same cannot be said for artistes in the aforementioned genres whose
Word of Life Church auditorium POPULAR gospel choir, Zimpraise, will tomorrow hold a live DVD recording dubbed “Hymns Night 3”.
Club Connect Tonight 3D Events DJs Liz, Ras Obido, Eugy, Wellyonz, Slimza, Crazy Dee and guest Victor Bravo, will be the headline act during Connect Fridays. Local modelling agency DTGT will hold a photo shoot after party tomorrow where patrons will mix and mingle with models while DJs Prince Eskhosini, Kead Wikead, Crazy Black and guest DJ Fujee will be on the decks.
Club Eden Tonight it’s the “Red Hot Affair” party with DJs Nospa, Slimza, Emity Smooth and Mark Vusani as guests alongside resident DJs Keezy, Kananjo and CP. The “Thirsty Party” is on tomorrow with DJs Nospa, Slimza, Emity Smooth and Mark Vusani alongside resident DJs.
Umqombothi Sports Bar Tonight Khaya Arts dance group will entertain patrons. The Bulawayo Urban Nite is on tomorrow with performances from Khoi Khoi, DJ Tawaz, Senko, Keddar and King Black. Shosholoza dance group will be the headline act on Sunday. Throughout the work is largely done away from mainstream audiences.
With the current criteria, there are fears that the award ceremony might begin losing credibility even in its maiden year, as an artiste with an effective voting machine behind him can upstage those whose work is of superior quality.
In a message to nominees yesterday, one of the event organisers Nkululeko Nkala said that the public’s votes would only contribute a fraction of the nominees’ total percentage.
“We’ve noted some of your disapproval about the voting system. Of course, as individuals, you are entitled to your opinions and as BAA organisers, we truly respect your opinions, as much as we respect the talent and effort that made you one of the nominees.
“As organisers, we encourage you to view the voting as two pronged or even three pronged. It’s serving many purposes. We’ve said and continue to say votes will contribute only 25 percent of the overall mark. The other mark comes from judges. The hope is that 25 percent could separate you from the other nominee,” part of Nkala’s message read.
Nkala also pleaded for unity while also pointing out the benefits of the voting system.
“We’re asking you to look at our voting system not just from a point of personal interest. Look at the system as also a marketing tool for the awards. Every time you’re sending a text asking for votes, you’re marketing both yourself and the awards.
“As BAA, we’re not asking for our nominees to literally beg for votes. Our intention is never to reduce you honourable nominees to beggar status. You’re stars in our eyes, stars of Bulawayo. If talking to your friends and fans and asking them to vote for you is not fun, if you see no value to you or to the bigger picture in the process, please do not do it. No one is putting a gun on anyone’s head,” the message read. weekend, DJs Sweeto, Stone, Sheriff, Kull Jeff and Phibz will be on the decks.
Private Lounge “Freaky Fridays” will see the nightspot enchanting dancers showcasing their best on the pole with DJs Blammie, Galaz and Delroy on the decks. Private Lounge @1 is on tomorrow as the home of striptease entertainment celebrates one year. The night will feature sexy vixens in the form of Tatiana, Ginger, Jada Fire, Iris, Lady D and hostesses Dion, Sillie and Kudzi.
Groove Night Club Tonight it’s “The Groove Weekends” with DJ Dash and Selekta Rexx. Tomorrow it’s the “Urban Beat Saturday” with DJs Keitho. “Old Skool Sundays” are on with DJ Josh playing 70s, 80s and 90s hits.
BAC Leisure Centre The joint tonight will host Jussie’s Unforgettable Birthday with DJs Mzoe, Ndlela (The Way) and Sweet Mobbie on the decks. Tomorrow it’s going to be a Winter Warmer Bash incorporating a Major Birthday bash with DeBongs Deeper alongside resident DJs.
Nketa 8 Sports Bar A Ladies Chill out is on tonight with DJ Nkandura and dancers as entertainers. Tomorrow it’s the Warm RENOWNED praise poet, Albert Nyathi was in Hwange early this week to grace the 45th anniversary of the Kamandama Mine disaster and recited a moving poem in memory of the 427 miners that perished on June 6, 1972.
Nyathi of the Senzeni Na fame, recited the poem titled Kamandama in which he notes the improvement of safety measures taken by the mining community and Hwange Colliery Company in particular since that sad day.
In his poem, Nyathi says Kamandama was a frozen moment in history and demands legislation to ensure health and safety considerations for the worker through protective clothing and sanitary environment.
“Kamandama, we’ve cried enough over the decades gone by, now it’s time to celebrate, Kamandama, a celebration of man in his daily struggles to feed his family, a celebration of the dignity of human labour. It tells us, work is not to frown at or to hate,” reads part of the poem.
The poem also laments the colonial handshake which took a toll on the workers’ health and lives.
The anniversary held on Tuesday was attended by the Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister, Cain Mathema who is also a poet, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Thokozile Mathuthu, traditional chiefs from the districts as well as representatives of various government departments from the province. up house party with DJ Roxy and Calvin also featuring performances from Black Skies Movement. On Sunday there will be a pool tournament with soft jazz and deep house provided by DJs Nkandura and Zie.
Legends Sports Diner Tonight it’s Black out Fridays with DJ King who will also be on the decks tomorrow during the Saturday Grooves.
Horizon Pub and Restaurant Tomorrow it’s the Switch Saturdays with Blaktroop DJs who will also host Kays, Craig and Viola’s birthday celebration.
Comfort Pub and Grill (Victoria Falls) Back by public demand, Mai Makanaka hit maker — Boom Berto — will tonight perform at the joint alongside DJs Hluz, Mike and Tonny.
Victoria Falls Club The Art of Reggae, from Bulawayo, will be entertaining revellers at the newly opened nightspot club tomorrow.
KoMpofu La (Victoria Falls) Ngamnanka USaMamo hit maker Madlela Skhobokhobo will be at KoMpofu La for his first ever show in Victoria Falls to spice up a fun filled weekend.