BY Cynthia Nkhata
Minister of Youths, Arts Sports Elvis Nkandu it’s unfortunate that the sector was seen to be uncoordinated, but should engage my office for any programs and suggestions but the arts have now found a home in the ministry.
Speaking this morning during this year’s 2022 Ngoma awards launch, Mr. Nkandu noted that though Ngoma awards is an annual event, it was not taking place, but shall take place this year.
Mr. Nkandu acknowledged that the awards are important hence the need to host them annually as they are their to recognise the hard work put up by artists.
He added that the awards ceremony that was born in 1994 needs to continue to be held to help artists perfect their arts in the industry through competition and awards.
“The industry needs support and government is going to help the arts industry and that their is need for them to even work harder,” he stated.
Mr. Nkandu said that their is no need to use the artists as politicians, but that they need to work hard and help themselves make a living with their talent.
He added that all the arts discipline needs all the support from all stakeholders which includes the corporate world in terms of the prize money.
Mr. Nkandu asked for seriousness from artists to be present during awards ceremonies even if one is nominated or those that win.
He said that Ngoma awards will continue to involve with the society even with the support from President Hakainde Hichilema as it has been recognized as the potential driver for economic growth.
Mr. Nkandu said that the soon to be launched National Arts Policy, is a long awaited document and that all artists need to present ideas that will help others in the industry.
He disclosed that the nominees for the Ngoma awards will be announced on the 10th of November and the public will be informed through the media and the awards will be held on the 3rd of December this year.
Mr. Nkandu revealed that he is pondering on increasing the prize money for the best song of the year and best film of the year where one will walk away with not less than K50,000.
He added that he will also add the ministers award were he will personally fund the prize award purse money.
Meanwhile, ZAAP Vice Chairperson Ms. Maureen Lilanda acknowledged the impact that COVID 19 has had on the arts industry were some straggled to make ends meet but they kept working in the background.
Ms. Lilanda thanked the UPND government for helping bringing back the Ngoma awards ceremony that was silent because of the COVID-19 and were all gatherings were suspended.
