By Kellys Kaunda
The arts community of Zambia was in one room last night at the new wing of the Mulungushi International Conference Center – the Kenneth Kaunda Wing. Just about every seat was occupied. The spontaneous responses and roars from the audience strongly suggested their appreciation of the arts and their knowledge of who the nominees were. There was musical entertainment provided by artists from yesteryears such as Anna Mwale to the newest in the sector.
Perhaps the most ‘famous’ visiting artist was Malawi’s Tay Grin. As his name was called out, a good number of members of the audience began to shout, “Mulamu, mulamu, mulamu”, which translates as, “brother-in-law, brother-in-law, brother-in-law”, a reference to the recent social media pictures in which he was seen with Zambia’s social media personality, Mutale Mwanza.
The categories of the arts awards were extensive covering just about every aspect of the arts practiced in Zambia. They included comedy, film, music, book writing, visuals, dance, acting, and much more. If it was called art, it was covered. You wanted a quick tour of arts in Zambia? You had it if you were there. If you wanted basic material for your research in the arts in Zambia, you have it now if you attended the Ngoma Awards.
As a country, Zambia has indeed come a long way in the development of the arts’ sector. More and more artforms are coming onstream and the organizers of the Ngoma Awards seem to be keeping a tab on them. By adding to the list of awards, the National Arts Council is rendering them legitimate and giving them official status. That encourages players in that category to do even better, become more creative and innovative.
Zamtel was the official sponsor along with several other members of the corporate world signifying a major development in the arts world of Zambia. To sustain the arts, the corporate world must bring their financial resources to the table. Of course, some of them have been doing this for years even hosting their own theater clubs. But to see so many of them coming onboard and identifying themselves with the arts signaled a new thing in the world of arts – the future can only be bright.
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With the energy I saw in the artists as each of them took to the stage receiving their respective awards, I can only see growth in the sector as more and more players join others, take the place of those leaving the stage while new artforms get introduced. Art, being a creative activity, the space can only expand.
It was also noteworthy that the Zambian government was represented at the highest possible level – two Permanent Secretaries and one Minister. Not only did they attend, but they also took part in the presentation of awards. Government provides the policy, legislative and institutional framework that guides the implementation of arts. So, being present at an award ceremony provides an opportunity to see up close and personal how policy in the sector is being implemented and delivered or experienced by target audiences.
In the main, the 2023 Ngoma Awards delivered on its mandate and met, to a large extent, the expectations of the Zambian public. However, like it is with any such huge undertakings, not everything will go according to plan. For instance, the program did not begin exactly 20hrs as I was told it would begin, although, it did not begin way too late, either. If the official time was 20hrs, then beginning the program 15 minutes late wasn’t that bad.
There was a time when Fumba Chama, also known as Pilato, one of the two Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry of Youth was called to the stage to present an award. Suddenly, I saw Chileshe, the other Permanent Secretary following him behind. Because he had not been called, it was confusing as to what exactly his role was or was it a mistake of the organizers or the announcers? As if this was not confusing already, this segment was not ready. The two senior government officials looked in different directions for what was to happen next until the announcer asked them to resume their seats until the segment was properly cued.
There was another moment when one of the two Masters of Ceremonies, Diamond TV’s Buyoya, announced that Mrs. Salasini was to present an award in a named category. He called several times until the moment had to be filled with something else as it was evident that there was something wrong. Much later, she came onto the stage to present the award.
During the announcement of winners by presenters of awards, I noticed that some of them presented stage fright and awkwardness. They announced winners too quickly. Traditionally, the moments between the announcement of nominees and winners have been punctuated with deliberate delays as special sound effects play out in the background to heighten expectation. But most of the announcers appeared too eager to announce the winner and rush off the stage.
In terms of the duration of the function, going past midnight just to pack into the program every conceivable category must be re-examined for future programs. Important though this might be, considerations of how much someone can take in and how long someone can sit and watch the show must be interrogated. I noticed that a few moments after midnight, people began to leave, evidence that at some point, the program must come to an end. Knowing the most efficient way of packing and packaging categories is key to retaining audience interest.
However, on balance, kudos to the National Arts Council of Zambia for a job well done. Keeping the artistic spirit of the country alive is a noble undertaking which deserves the support of all.
