Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the 21st edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) slated for February 25 in Harare have started to gather momentum.
The ceremony, being organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and event managers Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC), will be returning to its traditional venue, the Harare International Conference Centre.

This year’s awards are running under the theme “Unlocking Dreams” which speaks to the coming of age of the Namas.
JCMC spokesperson Tinashe Kitchen told Chronicle Showbiz that the event which has grown tremendously over the years will have a theme song this year.
“At 21 years, the awards are receiving their ‘key’ to maturity which symbolises the great investment and unmatched longevity that has been displayed by the NACZ to propel the arts sector into a self-sustaining and economy-contributing industry.
“This year, Nama will have a theme song titled Unlocking Dreams performed by Nyasha David, Mwenje Mathole and Ulethu. The song is available on all streaming platforms,” Kitchen said.
Performing at the awards ceremony will be a star-studded line-up of artistes from across genres – Gemma Griffiths, Herman, Poptain, Feli Nandi, Obert Dube, Mathias Mhere, Saintfloew, Holy 10, Freeman, Ammara Brown, DJ Tamuka, ExQ, Ishan, Dhayaan Kumar, Andrea the Vocalist, Annatoria, Juntal, Hope Masike, Mwenje Mathole, Mai Titi, Leo Magozz, Tocky Vybz, Adrian Marr and Mimmie Tarukwana. More artistes are yet to be added.

Kitchen went on to thank various sponsors who have come on board to ensure that the event aimed at recognising outstanding achievements in the arts and culture sector is staged successfully.
Tickets for the show are already on sale online with artistes preparing for the event. – @mthabisi_mthire



