Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu in Harare
The Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) came alive on Saturday night as the 24th National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) unfolded under the theme “Fearless Creativity,” celebrating Zimbabwe’s diverse artistic talent through bold inclusivity, electrifying performances and poignant, crowd-stirring moments.
A standout moment, widely applauded by attendees and viewers, was the seamless inclusion of sign language interpretation throughout the broadcast, ensuring accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and marking a progressive step forward for the awards.
One of the evening’s most touching moments came when one of the award recipients, breakout musician Nisha Ts, was joined on stage by her grandmother as she accepted the Outstanding Female Musician award. The heartfelt gesture drew warm applause.
Amid the celebrations, Acting Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Hon Tino Machakaire, delivered a message of encouragement, urging artistes to persevere despite industry challenges. He was joined in the distinguished guests’ section by Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya and Permanent Secretary Nicholas Moyo, underscoring Government’s presence at the country’s premier arts event.
The awards showcase theme, “Fearless Creativity”, was embodied not just in the performances but also in the awards structure itself. This year saw the exciting introduction of new categories, including fashion and podcasts, reflecting the evolving nature of Zimbabwean arts and broadening the scope of recognition beyond traditional fields.
The Matabeleland region enjoyed significant representation with media personality Taboka Nleya, renowned as the “MaNdazi Queen”, commanding the red carpet as host, while performers Fab G Mshanakagogo, Sku and Snowy brought their unique sounds to the HICC stage. In the theatre segment, the region’s talent took centre stage as Cadrick Msongelwa was named Outstanding Actor, while Thandolwenkosi Nkiwane’s remarkable multi-character performance in Ipi Ntombi earned her the Outstanding Actress award. Poet Sithandazile Dube, also known as UmAfricakazi, stood out in the Spoken Word category, earning the Outstanding Poet award.
In the Special Awards segment, veteran filmmaker Stephen Chigorimbo received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Iyasa founder Nkululeko Dube was honoured with the Arts Personality Award, and DJ Nitefreak was named Outstanding Artiste in the Diaspora. Delta Beverages, through its Chibuku brand, was presented with the Arts Service Award in recognition of its continued support for grassroots music and dance talent.
Music heavyweights Winky D and Jah Prayzah emerged as the biggest winners, each scooping two awards. Winky D claimed Outstanding Music Video for Fake Love and the People’s Choice Award, while Jah Prayzah was named Outstanding Male Artiste, with his album Ndini Mukudzeyi taking the Outstanding Album gong.
Receiving his accolade, Iyasa’s Nkululeko Dube dedicated it to “every pair of hands and every voice” that built Iyasa, long before it even had a name.
“Receiving this award is an immense honour, made all the more meaningful as we celebrate 25 years of Iyasa this year. It reaffirms that the work we do continues to resonate and that there’s every reason to carry this legacy forward.
“This recognition truly belongs to the collective — the creatives, the young people who’ve walked this journey with us, and everyone locally and regionally who has believed in and supported this dream. I’m simply accepting it on their behalf,” he said.
Overjoyed at winning her first Nama, Sithandazile Dube said she was thrilled to finally claim the gong after missing out on it on three previous occasions. “This is the culmination of sleepless nights and hard work. Since first performing professionally in 2006, I’m thrilled to finally reach the Promised Land,” she said.
The night ultimately belonged to the performers, whose energy and precision held the packed venue spellbound. The choreography stood out, widely hailed as the highlight of the evening for its innovation and flawless execution. A wave of nostalgia swept through the auditorium when Urban Grooves pioneers Dino Mudondo, Alexio Kawara, Plaxedes Wenyika and Sku took to the stage, rekindling memories of the genre’s golden era and its lasting imprint on Zimbabwe’s musical landscape.
Gospel powerhouses Dorcas Moyo, Ministers Ellard, Sharon Cherayi, and Vabati VaJehova also delivered uplifting performances. Zimdancehall performer Freeman and hip-hop artiste Bling4 brought contemporary energy, while jiti maestro Baba Harare kept the traditional rhythms alive.
After 23 years away from performing on a national stage, Sku described her return as “wholesome”.
“I’ve been away for so long, and coming back to the national stage after 23 years felt like a true homecoming. I never imagined I’d be performing again. I want to thank the organisers and the choreographers — the dancers made me feel young again. Reconnecting with the people I pioneered Urban Grooves with was amazing. Due to fan demand, I’ll be releasing new material soon,” she shared.
Adding further firepower, the Chillspot Family collective delivered an electrifying set featuring Chillmaster, Shone, Lil Eliana, Snowy, Runna Rulez, Junior Spragga, Young Gemini, Natasha Mlalazi, Paddington Chiwashira, Melyssa, and Cleo Arie, ensuring the celebration of Zimbabwean artistry continued at full throttle until the final curtain.
The 24th Nama masterfully balanced honouring established icons with spotlighting rising stars, all while championing inclusivity and celebrating the fearless creativity propelling Zimbabwe’s vibrant arts sector forward.
Alongside the flawless performances, marked by seamless synergy between bands, artistes, and dancers, the fashion on display was equally striking. Attendees embraced the theme with stylish, show-stopping outfits, reflecting fearless creativity and a serious approach to the awards.
As with any awards show, this year’s Namas were not without flaws. Some presenters took too long to announce winners, prompting murmurs of “rigging” and perceived unfairness among audiences. Teleprompter issues added to the confusion, slowing proceedings and frustrating viewers, who occasionally booed or clapped winners off stage.
Time management was also a problem, with long-winded speeches and unnecessary host pleasantries extending the ceremony.
Another shortcoming was the lack of visuals when nominees were revealed, a production element that clearly needs improvement in future editions. —@MbuleloMpofu
