Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IT is that time of the year when the national merit awards season gets underway.
It is a season of shocks, surprises and thrills for the creativity community.
Marking that eventful season is the 24th National Arts Merit Awards ceremony, set for the Harare International Conference Centre tonight.
Running under the theme “Fearless Creativity”, the night promises fireworks after all the hype that has been generated.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), the organisers of the awards ceremony, appointed Scarlet Studios in partnership with Events Evolution as the new event managers.
Expectations are high from fans, who anticipate a polished show from the new event managers, who have replaced Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC).
Fans will expect high standards in stage design, lighting, and overall production to ensure the event lives up to expectations.
As has become the norm, we expect to see ladies donning floor-length gowns, men clad in jaw-dropping costumes and of course the drama that has been associated with the Namas.
For some, that’s the time to showcase their fashion sense and be counted among the elite.
Whatever the outcome of the night, that will be the topic for the greater part of next week.
NACZ spokesperson Agga Nyabinde told The Herald’s Saturday Lifestyle that the stage has been set for the grand finale, where artistic works produced between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025, will be considered at the event.
“We are impressed by the work done by the new event managers to ensure that they leave a mark at the awards ceremony,” he stressed.
“We have been monitoring their work and we are thoroughly impressed by what they have done so far. Of course, this will be their first year to run the event, but from what we have seen, we are happy to say the least.”
Nyabinde revealed that all the performers for the night were raring to go. Minister Ellard, Sharon Cherayi, and Vabati VaJehova. Dancehall heavyweights Freeman, BaShupi, and Junior Spragga will also inject high-energy performances. They include Sekuru Gudo, born Calvin Fero, Bling4, Baba Harare (Braveman Chizvino), Afro-pop sensation Plaxedes Wenyika, Dino Mudondo, alongside versatile hitmakers Alexio Kawara and Sane Wavi, Melyssa, Natasha Mlalazi, and Cleo Arie. Bring variety is the Chillspot Family, Chillmaster, Fab G, Shone, Lil Eliana and Snowy, Runna Rulezi, Dorcas Moyo, Young Gemini, Skhu, mbira maestro Paddington Chiwashira of the “Manhanga Matete” fame.
“Rehearsals are going on, and we are just waiting for the big night to rumble. We are glad that we will be marking our 24th NAMAs ahead of next year’s silver jubilee centenary celebration, which needs to be celebrated in a big way. We are also mindful of the nature of the artworks that were submitted for this year’s event.”
The organisers have also revealed that there will be a broader representation across categories, regions, and disciplines, showcasing both established icons and rising stars.
Audiences can look forward to a carefully curated mix of traditional and contemporary works that reflect Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural landscape, reinforced by live performances and immersive end-to-end production elements.
With the country’s art scene continuing to evolve, the Namas serve not only as a celebration but also as a catalyst for broader visibility and investment in the arts.
As the night unfolds, the awards could set the tone for the coming year, guiding aspiring artists towards bold, fearless avenues of creative exploration.
Jah Prayzah and Winky D’s dominance will once again be in the spotlight, as the pair received additional nominations for the upcoming 24th National Arts Merit Awards ceremony.
Both superstars will compete in at least two categories, showcasing their continued dominance under the theme “Fearless Creativity.”
Jah Prayzah and Winky D will again be in the spotlight as they are both vying for the People’s Choice Award.
Over the years, Winky D has won it effortlessly, and it remains to be seen if fans are still in love with him.
Given the immense popularity of both artists, it will be intriguing to see how they fare against each other in these categories.
Below is the full list:
24TH EDITION NOMINEES
- Visual Arts
Outstanding Female Visual Artist
Amanda Shingirai Mushate — Chimoro neHukoshwa Part 1
Sabina Mutsvati — Ndishonongoreiwo
Shamila Aasha — Healing Alchemy
Outstanding Male Visual Artist
Confidence Zinyeka — Intimate conversation
Pardon Mapondera — Dotipaiwo Mwenje
Tinotenda Chivhinge — Nonsense Hit Song
Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist
Claire Munjoma — Shanduko
Tadiwanashe Joel Mafuta — Dismas
Crystal Vimbainashe Beseni — Maps of everything
Outstanding Exhibition
Ndishonongoreyiwo (Solo Exhibition) by Sabina Mutsvati, Curated by Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa
Perfection is not always reality (Solo Exhibition) by Tinotenda Chivhinge, curated by Doris Kamupira
CHEUKA Harare Art Fair curated by Laura Ganda and Merilyn Mushakwe
- Theatre Awards
Outstanding Actor
Cadrick Msongelwa as Squealer/StoryTeller/Mr. Jones in Zi Animal Farm
Elroy Takunda Musiiwa as Benjamin/Storyteller One in Zi Animal Farm
Ronald Sigeca as Prophet in These Humans are Sick
Outstanding Actress
Chidochashe Joanne Tenga as Bope in Can We Talk?
Tsungirirai Chenjerai as Snowball/Clover/Storyteller in Zi Animal Farm
Thandolwenkosi Nkiwane as Multi-characters in Ipi Ntombi
Outstanding Theatrical Production
In search of a king by Celebration Church
Can we talk by Almasi Collaborative Arts
Zi Animal farm by Savanna Trust
Outstanding Director
Daniel Dueschle — In search of a king
Leonard Matsa — Can We Talk?
Sandra Braddock — Ipi Ntombi
Outstanding Playwright
Tatenda Mutyambizi – These Humans Are Sick
Batsirai Chigama – Can We Talk?
- Literary Awards
Outstanding Fiction Book
Iluba lika ntunjambila by Polite Sibanda Published by Pre-dawn Publishers
My Affair with Misfortune by Sipho Mpofu Published by Elane Publishing Consultancy
The Toppling by Cynthia Rumbidzai Marangwanda Published by Carnelian Heart Publishing Ltd
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
Gonan’ombe Retsika Namararamiro eChivanhu by Morden Tavarwisa Published by Miamuty
Kurasika MuAfurika by Rumbidzai Caroline Kahari Published by Essential Books Publishing Company
The Essentials to Faithful Living by Michael H. Nyahwera Published by Beyond Today
Outstanding Children’s Book
Mukanyawashe’s Big Adventure by Gerald Shorayi Published by Essential Books Publishing Company
The adventures of Dafi and Rize by Wadzanai Tadhuvana by Kunda kids Publishers
The old river woman by Shakemore Dirani Published by Essential Books Publishing company
Special Mention:
The exciting story of Chipo the bird by Jean Taanashe Botso Published by Essential
Books Publishing Company
Munashe The Clever Boy by Rigel Chabata Published by Essential Books Publishing Company
Outstanding First Published Work
Hanzi Huchi Hwenduri — Kubva Mukatikati by Ushehwedu Kufakurinani Published by Carnelian Heart Publishing Limited
The Killer Pastor by Entourade Usayi Published by Soar Publishers
Zvamuri Ndaimbova Zvandiri Muchava by Josiah Muchada Published by Sahara Publishers
- Film & Television Awards
Outstanding Actor
Calvin Madula as Stan “SK” Khumalo in High School Diaries
Charles Kamara as Mike in Nhai Maiguru
Leroy Siyafa as James in God Sleeps on Sundays
Outstanding Actress
Wizzy Mangoma as Chirongoma in God Sleeps on Sundays
Charity Dlodlo as Maria in Forget Me Not
Natasha Dlamini as Beauty in Totem
Outstanding Music Video
Kuno by Jah Prayzah Directed by Vusa Hlatshwayo aka Director Blaqs and Davis Hanzu aka Director Dave
Fake Love by Winky D Directed by Tawanda Sibotshiwe aka Jusa Dementor
Nguva NdeyaMwari by Dorcas Moyo Directed by Hastings Chiromo aka Mr. Hasty
Outstanding Screen Production (Television)
High School Diaries by John Mabuyane
Magweja by Dexter Fundire
Love Across the Ocean by Willy Makumire Lilly
Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)
A Future Untold by Prosper Kunyetu
God Sleeps on Sundays by Naishe Nyamubaya
Totem by Nicole Panashe Dzenga
Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length)
Loved Out by Tendai Nyeke
Dilemma by Joe Njagu
Mwana Wangu by Nakai Beauty Tsuro
- Dance Awards
Outstanding Dance Group/Production
Salt ‘n’ Light Dance Company in Still Salty
Diamond Girls in Unseen Stars
MnM Dance Factory in African Sunrise
Outstanding Female Dancer
Mandisa Maseko aka Storm zw in The Crown Project
Celine Madziva in Celine’s work
Lisa Tanaka Magwenzi aka Lissa Tanaka in Lissa Tanaka
Outstanding Male Dancer
Prince Mbisa aka Amazing Prince in The Rise of Amazing Prince
Lawrence Sirewo aka Flexxy Smith in Big Brother Mzansi
Shadreck Moyo aka Shaddy Stiffler in The Cowboys
Outstanding Choreographer
Tanaka Machikicho in Diamond Girls
Celine Madzivai in Celine
Terrence Kapesa in Salt & Light Dance Company
- Spoken Word Awards
Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian
Frank Chirisa
Mbongeni Ignatious
Nigel Maritinyu aka Nijo the Slick Pastor
Outstanding Poet
Obert Dube
Sithandazile Dube
Thaluso Moyo aka Thaluso the Poet
- Music Awards
Outstanding Female Musician
Sharon Manyonganise Cherayi
Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa aka Nisha Ts
Ashleigh Angel Moyo aka Shashl
Outstanding Male Musician
Michael Mahendere aka Minister Michael Mahendere
Emegy Chizanga aka Freeman HKD
Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah
Outstanding Breakthrough Musician
Nyasha Emmanuel Dedza aka Junior Spragga
Atenda Chingaira aka Atenda Chinx
Shone Qongo aka Shone
Outstanding Music Group
The Redeemed Family
VeRutendo
Joyful Praise
Outstanding Song
Ruzhowa by Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah
Admire Kadembo by Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa aka Nisha Ts
Too Much by Carrington S. Chiwadza aka Nutty O
Outstanding Album
The Notebook by Emegy Chizanga aka Freeman HKD
Ndini Mukudzeyi by Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah
The Woman King — Gender iih by Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa aka Nisha Ts
- Fashion Awards
Outstanding Male Designer
Rangarirai Kenias — Raengah
Brightman Dlamini — Tocar Narrations
Ishmael Tsakatsa — Zargue’sia
Outstanding Female Fashion Designer
Nomakhosazana Khanyile Ncube — A Tribe Called Zimbabwe
Danayi Madondo — Haus of Stone
Yolanda Ngwenya — Bakhar
Outstanding Contributor to the Fashion Industry
Amanda Mutangadura — AM Model Management
Priscilla Chigariro — Zimbabwe Fashion Week
Joyce Chimanye — ZUVVA
