Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo and Maria Chiguvari
COMIC Elder walked away empty-handed at the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) ceremony in Harare on Saturday night.
He was nominated in Outstanding Social Media Skits category alongside Sean Khoza also known as Code Red Studios – Tokoloshi and Ronald Chimombe also known as Thugga Thugga.
Tokoloshi scooped the award on Saturday at the Harare International Convention Centre.
The other category he was nominated was The People’s Choice Award.
He was nominated alongside Winky D, Jah Prayzah, Ritz and Prince Chigwida.
Winky D scooped the People’s Choice Award, which was his 10th victory, extending a record-breaking run in the category.
His previous wins came in 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2025, making him the most decorated artist in the award’s history.
Running under the theme “Fearless Creativity”, the 24th edition of NAMA had a robust response from the creative community, with a total of 2,382 submissions.
Nominated in four categories, Jah Prayzah walked with the Outstanding Male Artist award and Outstanding Album award for Ndini Mukudzeyi.
Winky D also scooped the Outstanding Music Video award for “Fake Love,” which directed by Jusa Domentor. Winky D and Jah Prayzah walked away with two awards each.
The race for Outstanding Song of the Year had sparked debate long before the winners were announced.
Music critics and fans predicted a tight contest between Jah Prayzah’s “Ruzhowa,” Nutty O’s “Too Much,” and Nisha Ts’s “Admire Kadembo.”
Looking at the numbers, the competition was intense.
“Ruzhowa” reached 6.5 million views in nine months, showcasing Jah Prayzah’s continued dominance and lyrical prowess.
“Too Much” amassed 5.1 million views in just six months, reflecting explosive growth and strong digital engagement.
Meanwhile, “Admire Kadembo” earned 6.4 million views in 11 months, demonstrating steady popularity and wide appeal.
All three songs were major anthems last year.
They were played at parties, on radio stations, at weddings and on social media.
In the end it was “Too Much” which took the coveted gong while Nisha Ts was recognised as Outstanding Female Artist.
“I honestly didn’t expect this,” she said.
“I came here believing but not knowing that tonight would change my life like this.”
In a moment that deeply moved the audience, Nisha Ts invited her grandmother onto the stage.
The elderly woman, who raised and cared for her during difficult years, stood proudly beside the award-winning singer as cameras flashed.
“This woman is my backbone,” Nisha Ts said.
“She looked after me when no one else could. She prayed for me when I had nothing. I want to thank her.
“We are here now and God made this happen. Since day one, my grandmother believed in me. This award is for her, my family, fans and producers.”
Many in the crowd rose to their feet, applauding both the artist and the woman who shaped her journey.
“I want to thank Tinashe Mutarisi for nurturing my talent and giving me opportunities when I was still trying to find my voice,” she said.
“You didn’t just invest in music, you invested in me as a person. I will never forget that.
“This has taught me patience and humility. Tonight reminded me that God’s timing is perfect.
“There were days I wanted to give up but tonight is proof that dreams do come true.
“I want to thank hama dzangu dzakandirera dzeku Chegutu neMhondoro. Ndiko kwandakabva, ndiko kwakandiumba, award iyi ndirikuuya nayo kumusha.
“Thank you to the National Arts Merit Awards for recognising me with the Outstanding Female Artist award. I am truly honoured.
“Thank you, Mukoma Jah Prayzah, for your mentorship, guidance, and for always listening and giving advice on my projects.
“To all the producers I’ve worked with, Jamal No Limits, you gave me hits. Money Cure, our combination is powerful. Ghost Magician, we did it together, thank you.”
Rising star Atenda Chinx earned the Outstanding Breakthrough Artist award.
Nitefreak was honoured as Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora.
NAMA is the premier platform for recognising and celebrating outstanding achievements within the Zimbabwean arts and culture sector.
Established by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in 2002, NAMA serves as a benchmark for artistic excellence, rewarding the passion, dedication, and creativity of artists.
Mathew Masinge