Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
With the National Arts Merit Awards show in its 24th edition, officially themed “Fearless,” Zimbabwe’s awards season has arrived with a clear message: play it safe, but take a risk too.
According to the organisers, the theme is not just a buzzword or a marketing hook; it is a statement of intent, a challenge to artists, designers and celebrities to show up boldly, creatively and unapologetically.
As the countdown to the country’s biggest cultural night begins, “Fearless” sets the tone of how Zimbabwe wants to see itself — confident, experimental and unafraid of global comparison.
At its core, Fearless speaks to courage: courage in art, courage in self-expression and courage in breaking tradition.
For fashionistas, the theme has already ignited conversations about silhouettes, colour, texture and storytelling.
Fearless fashion is not about shock for shock’s sake, but about intention.
It is about wearing something because it represents who you are, not because it is expected.
Expect bold tailoring, exaggerated proportions, daring fabrics, strong colour palettes and personal narratives stitched into every look.
Award season energy is already in the air.
With the Golden Globe Awards having taken place on Sunday night in a blaze of international glitz and glamour, the global tone has been set.
Across red carpets worldwide, celebrities embraced drama, confidence and high fashion — a reminder that award shows are not just about trophies, but about moments.
Zimbabwe is watching, learning and increasingly understanding the assignment.
Locally, the fashion conversation has matured.
Zimbabwe is now grasping the norms of awards dressing, hosting and presentation.
Red carpets are no longer afterthoughts; they are stages.
Styling is becoming deliberate, hosts are increasingly polished and designers are being trusted to tell stories.
That said, a few still need schooling — from ill-fitted suits to confused interpretations of themes — but progress is undeniable. Nama24 has been instrumental in that growth, acting as both mirror and teacher.
Under the theme of Fearless, fashion creatives are encouraging celebrities to venture beyond their comfort zones.
One fashion insider notes, “Fearless means no more hiding behind black suits and predictable gowns. This is the year to experiment — sculptural pieces, dramatic shoulders, strong accessories. Own the carpet.”
Another stylist, Lillian Madyara, affectionately known as Hollywood Lee, adds, “Celebrities must dress with purpose. If your outfit does not speak before you do, then you missed the theme.”
She said that “Fearless” is more than a theme, it is a mindset she lives by as a fashion blogger and stylist in Zimbabwe.
“Being fearless in fashion means showing up boldly in an industry that is constantly evolving, even when resources are limited and recognition is not guaranteed. It means creating, styling, writing and posting even when the world is quiet, the applause is small, or the journey feels lonely.”
Hollywood Lee said the theme is about choosing authenticity over approval.
“As a fashion icon, this theme reminds me that my voice matters whether I am styling a client, blogging about local designers, or encouraging young creatives to believe in their craft.”
“It energises me to keep opening doors for emerging talent, to mentor with love, and to build community instead of competition,” she said.
A third voice from the fashion space sums it up boldly: “Fearless is about being remembered. The red carpet is history — dress like you want to be archived,” said United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean fashion stylist and personal shopper Craig Twist, popularly known as Mr Rocca.
“In an environment that often rewards survival over sophistication, fearlessness is choosing excellence and the pursuit of it. To me, fearless is that Zimbabwean who creates something without waiting for permission or asking for approval.”
“That sculptor who trusts his stone, the musician who honours depth or rhythm, or the fashion designer who believes in craftsmanship and the refined finishing even though the resources are limited,” he explained.
Mr Rocca added that the theme unpacks the endurance, dignity and unshakeable belief that our work deserves a spot at the global stage.
“Fearless is that drive and steadfastness of knowing that history rewards outcomes not intentions, and history will eventually bow down to those who never compromised their standards.”
As expectations rise, so does the pressure — particularly for the new organisers, Scarlet Media.
Taking over Nama is no small feat.
It is a daunting task to meet, surpass or even match the standards set by previous hosts.
Nama audiences are no longer easily impressed; they are informed, vocal and exposed to global benchmarks.
From stage design to lighting, pacing, host-guest chemistry and red-carpet production, every detail will be scrutinised.
The countdown to Nama24 is, therefore, not just about nominees, but about preparation.
Designers are sketching, stylists are mood-boarding, celebrities are planning fittings and publicists are plotting narratives.
Fearless demands cohesion — between theme, fashion, performance and presentation.
If done right, Nama24 could mark a defining moment in Zimbabwe’s awards evolution.
More importantly, Fearless challenges the industry to believe in itself.
To stop shrinking, stop apologising and stop imitating without identity. It calls on Zimbabwean creatives to take risks rooted in culture, confidence and originality.
As awards season opens, one thing is clear: Nama24 is not asking for perfection — it is demanding bravery. And on that red carpet, the fearless will shine, while the cautious will fade quietly into the background.
