Online ReporterMthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ORGANISERS of the Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards (Pracas) have revealed that the 2026 edition of the awards is expected to be bigger and better, as plans are under way to review previous editions and draw lessons from past challenges in order to improve this year’s programme.
This follows a successful ceremony held from December 18 to 20, 2025, which marked one of the most impactful editions in the history of the awards.
The events were held under the theme, “Transforming Communities: Amplifying Youth Voices, Accelerating Change through Arts and Youth Creative Engagement.”
The 2025 edition, branded “Yellow Praca25”, brought together artistes, young people, institutions, community leaders, development partners, the media and individual sponsors in a three day celebration of arts led development and social impact.
Hosted by Home of Arts Entertainment and its partners, last year’s edition reinforced the role of the arts as a catalyst for youth empowerment, civic engagement and sustainable community transformation.
The opening day featured the Youth in Arts and Business Indaba, the Zimbabwe Key to the City Youth Arts Festival, and an energetic community roadshow across Pumula suburbs.
Key activities included a Mental Health Awareness Campaign at Pumula East Shops, a Social Justice Walkathon promoting advocacy and civic participation, a multi stop artistic roadshow engaging communities through creative expression, youth exhibitions, information desks on climate change, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), mental health, drug and substance abuse, as well as a tree planting initiative.
These activities amplified youth voices while connecting communities to vital information and essential services.
Day two hosted a Red Carpet Networking Dinner for nominees, sponsors, partners, media practitioners and other stakeholders. The evening featured official certification of nominees, live performances and strategic networking sessions aimed at strengthening partnerships within the arts and community development ecosystem.
The main awards ceremony brought Pracas 2025 to a close with red carpet interviews, live performances, award presentations and inspirational addresses.
The ceremony honoured individuals and organisations whose work has made a lasting impact in arts, culture and community development.
Pracas director, Happy Mpofu, said the edition sought to celebrate excellence in arts, culture and community development while promoting youth empowerment, creative entrepreneurship, collaboration and policy dialogue.
“The programme intentionally integrated advocacy, performances, exhibitions and recognition, demonstrating how creative engagement drives inclusive development. We would like to thank everyone who made the event a resounding success, and we are hopeful of hosting a bigger and better event next year,” said Mpofu.
He said organisers were already looking beyond boundaries in 2026, as they aim to further solidify the awards as a platform celebrating excellence among residents of Pumula and the city of Bulawayo at large.
“When I look back at the past six years of Pracas’ existence, I can say we have learnt a lot. We started small, but in 2025 we became more ambitious by hosting the awards over three days, and I am pleased to say the results were positive.
“Our aim is to make the awards a force to reckon with in championing community and artistic initiatives. We will therefore draw from the lessons learnt over the years to make the 2026 edition more impactful and more glamorous,” said Mpofu.
PRACA 2025 Winners
1. Outstanding Newcomer (All Genres) – Noxzie
2. Best Male Artiste – Mlue jay
3. Best Female Artiste – Acquillah K
4. Best Music Producer / Studio – Klyve Beats
5. Music Video of the Year – Move – Mandie Mae
6. Song of the Year – Umuntu Omthandayo – Ntix The Vocalist ft Ndustoz
7. Best Maskandi Artiste – Umsheli Wentombi
8. Best Gospel Artiste – Collen Moyo
9. Best Alternative Artiste – YungGlow Dzet
10. Best Amapiano / House / Gqom Artiste – DRLOVENJ
11. Best Hip Hop Artiste – Briza
12. Best Dancehall Artiste – Bovas
13. Best Afro-Pop Artiste – Dubcee
14. Outstanding DJ (All Genres) – DJ Maramzie
15. Best Collaboration – Ngifunukuyalobola- Ukhathazile Isokalendawo ft Umsheli Wentombi
16. Best Duo / Group – Bulawayo Children ‘s Choir
17. Album of The Year – Umsaphazi – Mlue Jay
18. Outstanding Male Dancer – Joaquim Siphosami – Iyasa
19. Outstanding Female Dancer – Liane Ndlovu – Khaya Arts
20. Outstanding Duo / Dance Group (All Genres) – No Name Dance Crew
21. Outstanding Male Poet – Nhlanhla Da Poet
22. Outstanding Female Poet – Noxie The Poet
23. Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction – Phakemenkosi Princess Moyo – The Student Body
24. Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction – Is It The Key – Trust Gwasunda
25. Best Upcoming Actor / Actress – Musawenkosi Ncube as Amahle in Umngane
26. Best Actor – Ezra k Ngwenya – as Switch on Blood Debt
27. Best Actress – Sharmaine Nkala – as Mbali on Umbali
28. Best Short / Feature Film – Blood Debt – Black Nation Films
29. Best Cinematographer – Praise L Nkala – Zizo Motion Pictures
30. Best Production / Media House – Chung Nation Media
31. Best Online / Print Media – Ibrah Magazine
32. Outstanding Journalist / News Reporter – Mkhokheli Zibengwa – BANO News
32. Best Podcast Production / Talk Show – Bulawayo Connect
34. Best Podcaster/Presenter – Onesimo Ngcotsha – Skyz Metro Fm
35. Best Social Media Content Creator – Bunandi Mdala
36. Best Educational / Informative Content Creator – Walter Tynash
37. Outstanding Male/Female Model – Ashantia Mpofu
38. Outstanding Youth-Led / Community Organization – F.A.B.G Foundation
39. Business of the Year – Pumula Arts and Crafts Centre
40. Outstanding Youth-Led Organization in Climate Action / Advocacy – Dynamic Waste Management
41. Outstanding Youth in Community Engagement – Lawson Khiwa Chiwayi
42. Entrepreneur of the Year – Simbongeni Ncube
43. Upcoming Entrepreneur – Phumzile Ntonisani
44. Outstanding Youth Leader – Pius Lwandile Nleya
45. Outstanding Youth in Climate Advocacy – Gamelihle Thabo Thwala
46. Outstanding Green Initiative – Glass Recycling Designers
47. Outstanding Sportsman / Sportswoman – Yvette Tadiwanashe Tsaukai – Thandanani Netball Club
48. Outstanding Creative Hand Worker – Praise Ndlovu –PraisePhants
49. Outstanding Fashion Designer/Label – Nqabelo Ngwenya – Money Greetings
50. Outstanding Musician – Bhila
51. Outstanding Poet – Riley G
52. Outstanding Youth in Community Engagement – Dylan Khanye — @mthabisi_mthire
