NACZ hails award nominees for elevating Zim arts sector

THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has congratulated Zimbabwean artistes Jah Prayzah, ShaSha and Winky D, who were recently nominated for the African Entertainment Awards United States of America (AEAUSA).

The artistes were nominated last weekend in various categories ahead of the prestigious awards scheduled to take place in New Jersey, United States, on December 12, honouring African community leadership, entrepreneurship and artistes’ excellence.

Contemporary musician Jah Prayzah was nominated for Entertainer of the Year, while South African-based ShaSha is vying for the Best Female Artiste and Zimdancehall sensation Winky D has been nominated in the Best Dancehall Artiste award category.

In separate letters to the high-flying artistes, NACZ director Nicholas Moyo said the nominations were in recognition of their talent, passion and dedication to their craft which they had exhibited throughout their musical careers.

“As NACZ, we are proud that your work has raised high the national flag and we appreciate that all this has come due to your talent and passion for music which has raised your stature in the local and international music circles,” he said.

Moyo said the nominations for the awards had elevated t he profile of the artiste’s brands and the general arts industry in Zimbabwe.

“It i s my humble submission that this continental recognition will propel you to even greater success. We wish you the best of luck on the awards night and all the best in your future endeavours.”

Sha Sha yesterday paid a courtesy visit to NACZ where Moyo encouraged her to remain focused.

“The quality of your work is the one that will give you an entry into stardom,” he said. “Once you are in there and you have built a brand, it does not matter what you will produce, people will always go for a brand.”