The platform was set on February 18, when scores of journalists, artistes and other personalities, converged on Harare to celebrate, recognise and appreciate the most outstanding artistes in Zimbabwe at the National Arts Merit Awards.

It is a fact that the arts industry is growing despite lack of proper infrastructure and relevant support mechanisms that would naturally generate quality work.

It is therefore proper for us to salute these outstanding individuals, who have shown unwavering commitment, dedication and devotion against all these challenges.

Like in previous years, everything about this night was the same and it is disheartening to note the scope and limitations of this national event.

In my opinion, the people responsible for coming up with this noble gesture of honouring our artistes should try to capture all the elements that make the arts sector what it is.

Once upon a time there was an awards platform named Tsama, whose scope was wider and appreciated  as many elements as possible within the arts.

This (Nama) platform must inspire, recognise potential talent and elevate new talent to scale greater heights.

It is a platform meant to motivate and restore confidence in the arts industry for both the artistes and potential sponsors.

Developing a strong and vibrant arts industry goes a long way in drawing attention to our country.

The stronger and qualitative our arts get, the more visibility we get as a nation and the more people appreciate our culture and lifestyle.

As the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe moves on with their vision of professionalising the arts, there is need to broaden the horizon and celebrate Zimbabwean talent in all departments from development, production and promotion of the industry. They must not leave any stone unturned.

Musicians become famous because of the work done by the promoters who facilitate and create stages for them to tell their story.We need to have a category that recognises the outstanding promoters.

There are many other areas that I feel should be considered such as outstanding producer, composer and  session musician of the year.

It is a fact that there are artistes who dominate the scene in a given year but I feel that if the awards are classified according to genres, that will make Nama quite fair and very honourable.

We, however, will not take away the glitz and glamour to those who won. All we can say is “Congratulations to all the winners”.

l Richard Kohola is a music critic and development expert and can be contacted on the following 077 2 382 871 or email rkayclassics2yahoo.com