By Beverly Bizeki
Masvingo’s poem kingpin Mambo Guramatunhu is over the moon after he was nominated for an award at the prestigious National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) tipped for February 24, 2024 in Bulawayo.
Speaking to TellZim News, Mambo Guramatunhu born Ngonidzashe Paradza said he was elated to be nominated for the second time and was hoping to bring the award home.
“I was nominated for the NAMA Outstanding Poet of the Year award for the second time. The nomination alone means a lot for me as a poet, it shows my talent is being recognized across the country. A second nomination comes as validation and a sign of growth. It is also a challenge to keep perfecting my talent because people appreciate and expect more. I am expecting to bring the award home to Masvingo,” Mambo Guramatunhu said.
He urged other artists to not be discouraged by the situation in the Arts industry but to create opportunities for themselves.
“To fellow poets in the province, I say they have all it takes to be successful, they must be willing to work towards it as a success is awaiting us at the top. We must stop whining without doing anything but rather take the first step by recording our work and knocking on the appropriate doors until we get the fortunes we seek with God’s help,” he said.
Mambo Guramatunhu is a local poet born and raised in Masvingo and has recently released a 10-track album titled Zvombo.
He released his first album titled Nduri Upenyu in 2019 which had some of his popular poems Ingamira sei and Tongombeya.
Guramutunhu who is a university graduate often preaches peace and unity in his work and is also a renowned Events Director.