Today we are pleased to publish the recipient citations for #NAMA Legends @40 in their alphabetical order. This follows a huge interest from readers regarding the List of 40 artists across six or so arts disciplines. According to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, all the 40 recipients were deserving and worthy of the recognition although some people felt the list was less convincing with some names of artists who are not on the list being thrown around. As Gem Nation News we will be publishing at least two artists’ citation per day beginning today.

Aaron Chiundura Moyo

Writer

Aaron Chiundura Moyo is a multi-talented individual who is an accomplished novelist, playwright, poet, screenwriter, short story writer, concept developer, actor, director, radio producer, presenter and researcher.

From 1971 to 1979 Aaron worked as a presenter at Radio Rhodesia African Service and he produced several radio programmes including Mabhuku neVanyori which featured 31 short stories and Mabvumira Enhetembo, a poetry programme that featured 13 poems that were aired and discussed.

In 1981 he began close collaborations with the reorganise Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation working for Radio 2 as a Freelance Producer. During that period, he wrote several radio dramas and soaps which ran for more than 3 years including the iconic Handei Kumombe, Chinaku Chinobva Muzevezeve, Ave Mateangungu Mutinya Nguo Dzehuswa and Toita Madiro.

In 1987 Chiundura Moyo ventured into Television where he wrote and acted in many drama series and films such as Chiwoko Muhomwe, Ziva Kwavakabva, Madhunamutuna, Masimba, Zeve Zeve, Chihwerure/Mafuro Manyoro. In the different series, Aaron comfortably executed different production roles including, Writer, actor, floor Manager, Production Assistant, Director, Producer and Editor.

In television, Chiundura Moyo proved his mettle when he created and wrote Studio 263 Zimbabwe’s First Television soapie. He then wrote produced and directed Tiri Parwendo which ran for 7 years and was the first pre-colonial epic drama series ever produced in the country.

In literature, the legendary writer has penned over 20 novels and plays including Uchandifungawo, Ziva Kwavakabva, Chenga Ose, Kereke Inofa, The Other Side of the River and Other Short Stories and Chabvondoka among others working with many publishing companies for his works including Mambo Press, Longman Zimbabwe, Books for Africa, Mecury of Press, Priority Projects, ZPHouse, Book Love, Lion Press and Literature Bureau.

The veteran writer has won various broadcasting and arts Awards during his career including:

P.E.N Award- for books Uchandifundifungawo and Ziva Kwawakabva, A.M.N-Best Arts Presenter of the year (radio), A.M.E- Radio Coverage of several arts disciplines, National Journalistic and Media awards (Best Radio Producer), 1st Prize Literature in Shona for Chemera Mudundundu, Zimbabwe’s 75 Best Books of 20th Century for Ziva Kwawakabva, 1st Prize Best Fiction Poetry Drama for Pane Nyaya and the National Arts Merit Awards- Silver Jubilee Award, University of Zimbabwe Performing Arts Merit Awards- Lifetime achievement. — NACZ.