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Entertainment Reporter
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Music Awards organisers have resolved to host the two events concurrently despite reports that there might be conflict between events to be held on the same date. ZIMA awards are scheduled for Harare and an arts indaba will be held in Bulawayo on October 29. However, the NACZ’s annual two-day Arts and Culture Indaba which draws participants from across all genres will not be affected since there are several musicians who will represent those that will not make it to the ZIMA ceremony.

“Recent media reports have indicated that there might be conflict between organisers of the Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) regarding the recent postponement of the awards to the 29th October 2014 (in Harare), a date that NACZ had already set for its Annual Arts and Culture Indaba to be held in Bulawayo on 29th and 30th of October 2014. It is true that this new date for ZIMA coincides with the NACZ Indaba which is an equally important event on the arts calendar,” Catherine Mthombeni, the NACZ communication and marketing officer said.

She said both the NACZ and ZIMA met and agreed that the two events would continue and logistical arrangements had been put in place to ensure the two events happen successfully.

“All efforts have been made to ensure that both events take place concurrently and smoothly with the full support of key stakeholders in the arts and culture sector.
“ZIMA and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe commit themselves to continue working hand in hand to advance the development and promotion of the arts in Zimbabwe,” she said.

The Indaba is a National Arts and Culture Strategy Dialogue held annually to discuss, deliberate and recommend specific courses of action in the cultural sector. It is a platform for stakeholders in the arts and culture sector to meet and dialogue on issues affecting the development and future of the sector, as well as taking stock of sector achievements and challenges.

While, ZIMA is an annual award ceremony to acknowledge and honor musical excellence and creativity as well as provide a high profile and multi faceted celebration of the rich cultural diversity of Zimbabwean music.