Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
WE knew it, we saw it, and we predicted it.
The 24th National Arts Merit Awards ceremony came and went, leaving attendees with significant talking points.
After all the gloss and glamour it brought, it was the winners’ podium that baffled, elated, and shocked many, including the winners themselves.
Following thorough preparations, the two event organisers — Scarlet Studios in partnership with Events Evolution — appointed by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, managed to deliver on a night when many feared they would not.
From the curated red carpet to the production of the show, sound and lighting, everything was so excellent that neighbours might turn green with envy.
The red carpet, often treated as a peripheral spectacle, was elevated into a central narrative tool.
Thoughtfully designed and meticulously managed, it reflected the event’s theme and communicated it clearly to attendees and viewers alike. Marketing around the red carpet was deliberate and educational, ensuring that celebrities and guests understood expectations.
The result was striking: artists and public figures dressed to the nines, delivering fashion moments that rivalled regional award shows. Elegance, boldness and cultural flair co-existed, turning the red carpet into a visual celebration, rather than a chaotic parade.
The hosts of the night, Pathisani Sibanda and KVG, reminded us that Zimbabwe still has the best presenters, not to forget Merciless and the newbie in the game, Yahya GoodVibes.
While we may still have some distance to cover before matching other nations like our neighbour, South Africa, it was evident that Zimbabweans know how to dress for such occasions.
It was a marvel to see attendees clad in floor-length gowns while men wore jaw-dropping outfits, all strutting the red carpet, which resonated well with this year’s theme, “Fearless Creativity.”
From the very first cue, the night unfolded with an impressive sense of order and coordination.
Transitions were tight, timings respected, and presenters confidently guided audiences through the programme without the awkward pauses or technical hiccups that have occasionally haunted past editions.
Every segment felt intentional. This was not merely an event happening; it was an event being directed. That attention to detail underscored a maturity in production that immediately set the tone for the evening.
Creativity stood at the heart of the show.
Gospel did not feel isolated from urban grooves; hip-hop flowed naturally into Zimdancehall; and contemporary pop found its place alongside heritage-rooted sounds.
Rather than segregating artists into rigid silos, the producers curated collaborative segments that celebrated dialogue between styles. This approach honoured the past while embracing the present — a rare balance that resonated powerfully with audiences both in the auditorium and at home.
Equally striking was the stage and lighting design. Purpose-built and visually arresting, the stage served as more than a backdrop; it was an active storytelling device.
Dynamic lighting shifts complemented performances, elevating emotional peaks and underscoring quieter moments. Camera-friendly angles and clean sightlines revealed a clear understanding that Nama is no longer just a live event, but a televised and live-streamed production with global reach.
In meeting broadcast standards, the organisers ensured that the awards translated beautifully on screen — crisp, vibrant, and worthy of international comparison.
Perhaps the most profound achievement of this year’s ceremony was the restoration of belief.
For years, conversations around Nama have been clouded by skepticism from both artists and fans.
This edition, however, rekindled pride.
Local creatives felt seen. Artists felt respected.
The atmosphere inside the venue carried a renewed sense of ownership — a feeling that Nama once again belongs to Zimbabwe’s cultural community.
That reclaimed confidence may well be the ceremony’s greatest legacy.
Media engagement around the event was equally strategic.
By aligning messaging, visuals, and themes across platforms, Scarlet Media and Events Evolution succeeded in building anticipation and coherence. The awards did not feel like a one-night occurrence but the climax of a well-executed campaign, an essential ingredient in restoring Nama’s prestige.
As with most awards ceremonies, sections of the audience expressed dissatisfaction with parts of the winners’ list.
Some fans went home frustrated, questioning outcomes and omissions. While the Namas cover all arts genres, it should be noted that music, like soccer, has a huge following.
In music, sungura has a vast following, as judged by the demographics, but no one was ever nominated.
There were no sungura performances whatsoever during the breaks, which shocked many and left attendees with questions. Is sungura dead and buried? This is the debate that fans are now having. Was Tongai Moyo and Nicholas Zakaria’s interment the demise of sungura?
As for the Song of the Year category, where many expected “Ruzhowa” to easily win, it turned out that while the track was popular at elite functions, when it comes to quality, they opted for Nutty’s song “Too Much.” As for Comic Elder missing from the podium, that was a true indication that clowning and content creation are worlds apart. He still has a long way to go, and he should not lose hope.
Winky D won the People’s Choice for the record 10th time.
Below is the list of winners:
NATIONAL ARTS MERIT AWARDS (NAMA)
24TH EDITION WINNERS
1. Visual Arts
Outstanding Female Visual Artist
Sabina Mutsvati — Ndishonongoreiwo
Outstanding Male Visual Artist
Pardon Mapondera — Dotipaiwo Mwenje
Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist
Tadiwanashe Joel Mafuta — Dismas
Outstanding Exhibition
CHEUKA Harare Art Fair curated by Laura Ganda and Merilyn Mushakwe
2. Theatre Awards
Outstanding Actor
Cadrick Msongelwa as Squealer/StoryTeller/Mr. Jones in Zi Animal Farm
Outstanding Actress
Thandolwenkosi Nkiwane as Multi-characters in Ipi Ntombi
Outstanding Theatrical Production
In search of a king by Daniel Deuschle and Benjamin Deuschle
Outstanding Director
Leonard Matsa- Can We Talk?
Outstanding Playwright
Tatenda Mutyambizi- These Humans Are Sick
3. Literary Awards
Outstanding Fiction Book
My Affair with Misfortune by Sipho Mpofu Published by Elane Publishing Consultancy
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
Gonan’ombe Retsika Namararamiro eChivanhu by Morden Tavarwisa; Published by Miamuty
Outstanding Children’s Book
Mukanyawashe’s Big Adventure by Gerald Shorayi Published by Essential Books
Publishing Company
Outstanding First Published Work
The Killer Pastor by Entrodge Usayi; Published by Soar Publishers
4. Film & Television Awards
Outstanding Actor
Leroy Siyafa as James in God Sleeps on Sundays
Outstanding Actress
Charity Dlodlo as Maria in Forget Me Not
Outstanding Music Video
Fake Love by Winky D Directed by Tawanda Sibotshiwe aka Jusa Dementor
Outstanding Screen Production (Television)
MagwejabyDexter Fundire
Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)
God Sleeps on Sundays by Naishe Nyamubaya
Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length)
Dilemma by Joe Njagu
5. Dance Awards
Outstanding Dance Group/Production
Unseen Stars in Diamond Girls
Outstanding Female Dancer
Celine Madziva in Celine’s work
Outstanding Male Dancer
Prince Mbisa aka Amazing Prince in The Rise of Amazing Prince
Outstanding Choreographer
Tanaka Machikicho in Diamond Girls
6. Spoken Word Awards
Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian
Nigel Maritinyu aka Nijo the Slick Pastor
Outstanding Poet
Sithandazile Dube
7. Music Awards
Outstanding Female Musician
Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa aka Nisha Ts
Outstanding Male Musician
Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah
Outstanding Breakthrough Musician
Atenda Chingaira aka Atenda Chinx
Outstanding Music Group
Joyfull Praise Choir
Outstanding Song
Too Much by Carrington S. Chiwadza aka Nutty O
Outstanding Album
Ndini Mukudzeyi by Mukudzeyi Mukombe a.k.a Jah Prayzah
8. Fashion Awards
Outstanding Male Designer
Ishmael Tsakatsa — Zargue’sia
Outstanding Female Fashion Designer
Danayi Madondo — Haus of Stone
Outstanding Contributor to
the Fashion Industry
Joyce Chimanye — ZUVVA
9. Digital Arts Awards
Outstanding Female Social Media
Content Creator — Gracia Bvute (Pot Tradition_
Outstanding Male Social Media Content Creator — Marvellous Nyongoro(African Finder_
Outstanding Podcast — The Ollah 7 Podcast
Outstanding Social Media Skits — Sean Khoza akaCode Red Studios — Tokoloshi
10. Special Awards
Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora — Bhekinkosi Mabhena aka DJ Nitefreak — Music Producer/DJ-France& Spain
Outstanding Arts Journalist/Media
House — Plot Mhako
Promoter of the Year — Odyssey Entertainment (Kadoma Music Festival) Owned by Prince Mharadze
Arts Personality Award — Nkululeko Innocent Dube
Arts Service Award — Delta Beverages — Chibuku
Lifetime Achievement Award —Stephen Chigorimbo
People’s Choice Award —Wallace Chirumiko a.k.a Winky D.
