Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment
THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has announced that it has received more than 1,117 entries for the 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), reflecting strong engagement from artists across the country.
The awards ceremony, set for February 28 next year at Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), will run under the theme “Fearless Creativity.”
This year’s call for entries has been characterised by an increased uptake of digital platforms, with the majority of artists submitting online through the official NAMA portal.
In a statement, the NACZ noted that the shift to digital submissions indicates “a growing confidence within the sector and wider acceptance of technology for formal processes.”
Although submissions remain open, the council confirmed that participation so far represents a broad cross-section of the arts community, with the Film category receiving the highest number of entries, followed by Music and Visual Arts.
However, the NACZ also highlighted a recurring challenge: incomplete submissions.
“Many artists have completed the online forms but have not provided the required supporting documents, such as downloadable links to their work,” the organisation said.
“This final step is mandatory, and entrants are encouraged to finalise their submissions to avoid disqualification.”
The awards committee has additionally received radio chart data from Power FM, ZiFM, Star FM, Sky Metro, and Radio Zimbabwe, which will contribute to the adjudication of music-related categories.
Entries have been received from all provinces, with Harare and Bulawayo contributing the highest numbers. Manicaland, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South follow closely, illustrating consistent national participation.
This edition of NAMA features two new categories — Fashion and Digital Media — introduced after consultations with stakeholders across the country. The new categories are designed to recognise the growing influence of contemporary creative disciplines and to align the awards with global industry developments.
The Fashion category will honour Outstanding Male Fashion Designer, Outstanding Female Fashion Designer, and Outstanding Contributor to the Fashion Industry. The Digital Media category will recognise Outstanding Female Social Media Content Creator, Outstanding Male Social Media Content Creator, and Outstanding Podcast.
Only works produced between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025 will be eligible for consideration.
