Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
JAH Prayzah and Winky D will battle each other at the National Arts Merits Awards (NAMA) after they were nominated in the same two categories.
The duo will first clash in the Outstanding Music Video category.
“Kuno” by Jah Prayzah, which was directed Blaqs and Dave, and “Fake Love” by Winky D, directed by Jusa Dementor, have been nominated for the award.
The duo will also face each other in the People’s Choice Award category.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) unveiled the nominees for the 24th edition of the NAMA with Jah Prayzah leading the awards with four nominees.
Set for February 28 at the Harare International Conference Centre, the ceremony will run under the theme “Fearless Creativity.”
They had a selection process from a record of 1 117 submissions, covering works produced between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025.
Music lovers can expect an electrifying showcase across genres with gospel music being represented by Minister Ellard, Sharon Cherayi and Vabati VaJehova.
Dancehall heavyweights Freeman, BaShupi and Junior Spragga will also inject high-energy performances.
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 Dance Group/Production
Salt ‘n’ Light Dance Company in Still Salty
Diamond Girls in Unseen Stars
MnM Dance Factory Outstanding Female Dancer
in African Sunrise
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
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
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 Ndini Mukudzeyi The Woman King – Gender iih by Emegy Chizanga aka Freeman HKD
by Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah
by Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa aka Nisha Ts
People’s Choice Award
Principal Chigwida aka Prince Chigwida
Leroy T. Zaware aka Comic Elder
Wallace Chirumiko aka Winky D
Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah
Michelle Moyo aka Ritz Mcleish
