The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) has recorded a total of 2,382 submissions for its 24th edition, reflecting sustained growth, competitiveness and renewed confidence within Zimbabwe’s arts and culture sector.
Established in 2002 by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, NAMA remains the country’s premier platform for recognising excellence across music, film and television, visual arts, theatre, literary arts, dance, spoken word, fashion and digital arts. Over more than two decades, the awards have chronicled the evolution of Zimbabwe’s creative industries while honouring trailblazing figures such as the late Oliver Mtukudzi and renowned playwright Cont Mhlanga.
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Book NowOfficial statistics show that Harare dominated this year’s submissions with 1,682 entries, followed by Bulawayo with 227, while other provinces including Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland also registered participation. The diaspora accounted for 64 entries, highlighting continued engagement by Zimbabwean creatives beyond the country’s borders. Of the total entries, 1,251 were submitted online and 1,131 physically, pointing to a growing shift towards digital platforms.
Music emerged as the most competitive category with 900 entries, followed by Film and Television at 661, Visual Arts at 278 and Literary Arts at 250. Dance, Digital Arts, Theatre, Spoken Word, Fashion and Special Awards completed the entry list, demonstrating broad-based participation across artistic disciplines.
This year’s theme, Fearless Creativity, underscores what organisers describe as a bold and uncompromising approach to artistic expression, innovation and cultural storytelling. The nominee list features some of Zimbabwe’s most influential contemporary artists, including Jah Prayzah, Winky D and Freeman HKD, alongside emerging voices across theatre, literature, fashion and digital content creation.
Organisers have also issued strict media guidelines ahead of the awards ceremony, barring live video recording and streaming in the main auditorium, prohibiting flash photography during performances and restricting access to designated press areas in order to maintain order and professionalism.
As anticipation builds toward the awards ceremony, NAMA 24 is expected to once again affirm its role as the definitive barometer of artistic excellence in Zimbabwe, celebrating creativity while reinforcing the cultural sector’s contribution to national identity and economic development.
