Namibian Broadcasting Corporation journalist Blanche Goreses is one of 56 Namibian creatives and personalities nominated for the 2022 Zikomo Africa Awards.
The fabulous Goreses has been nominated in three categories: Best TV Personality of the Year, Best Journalist of the Year and Best-Dressed Media Personality of the Year.
Goreses said the Zikomo awards is a platform that recognises creatives who hardly get the recognition they deserve.
Asked what category she feels strongly about, she answered “naturally, it is journalism”. “It is where I pour out my heart and soul”.
She told VIBEZ! that wherever she travels or covers events with other African journalists, they ‘compare’ notes on media landscapes in different countries.
“Since Namibia is small, others would be astonished at the fact that we have been independent for a short period and that we are ranked the freest press in Africa”.
Also nominated for the first time for the Zikomo awards for his work as a model and radio presenter, Mister Supranational Namibia 2022 Jean-Louis Knouwds said his passion for the arts and entertainment industry is beyond measure.
“I hope I can make my country proud. It is extremely rewarding to see that my talents, passion and hard work are being recognised,” he told VIBEZ!
Winning both categories would be an “amazing accomplishment” for him. However, Knouwds said with being Mister Supranational Namibia 2022, winning the Best Male Model of the year category is very important because he wants to make a change in society with regards to how people perceive male pageantry and modelling.
He added that for male modelling to be recognised on a platform such as the Zikomo awards is a motivation for models to keep doing their best to bring change wherever they go.
Nadula Hainane, a Namibian actress and brand ambassador for the Zikomo Africa Awards to Namibia, said people working in the entertainment industry use their talents to create programmes for audiences to enjoy.
“This is where we provide the much-needed change in Namibia so that life does not become a drudgery of routine,” added an elated Hainane.
To all the Namibian nominees, she said: “It’s a great honour for me to note that people see potential in your work. And this is the platform of a diverse form, with so many other personalities from across the African continent and beyond. Go and represent our beautiful country professionally.”
The Zikomo Awards is an international awards ceremony which acknowledges and celebrates individuals and organisations who are contributing positively and doing well in various industries, e.g. arts and entrepreneurs.
This year’s ceremony is set to take place in Zambia on 15 October at the Ciela Resort Lusaka.