Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE annual celebrity merit awards season has garnered significant momentum, becoming immensely popular across the nation.
This period is characterised by a compelling mix of surprises, heartbreaks and well-deserved triumphs, all contributing to the event’s enduring allure. However, the season is frequently overshadowed by considerable drama, often stemming from persistent reports of flawed adjudication processes, planning mishaps and technical hiccups that dominate media headlines.
Unfortunately, these shortcomings have become troubling staples at various award ceremonies on the showbiz calendar, creating a pattern that urgently needs to be addressed to ensure a more professional and enjoyable experience for all stakeholders.
Timeline and glamour
Typically commencing around November and extending into the first quarter of the following year, this awards season generates substantial public interest.
Fashion statements take centre stage, as local and regional designers showcase jaw-dropping costumes on the red carpet and the winners’ podiums.
Attendees, particularly ladies, often don elaborate floor-length gowns, while others choose more daring and unconventional outfits, invariably turning heads and sparking widespread social conversation.
Prominent celebrity awards that capture the Zimbabwean public’s attention include the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama); Bulawayo Arts Awards; Zim Community Trailblazers Awards, Zimdancehall Awards; Zim Hip Hop Awards and Zimbabwe Film and Television Awards.
On the international stage, Zimbabwean creatives and audiences closely follow major global events. For instance, the 98th Academy Awards (The Oscars), presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Awards will be presented in 35 categories, with nominations typically announced in the preceding year.
The Oscars are particularly significant for players in Zimbabwe’s film industry, as global cinema is a billion-dollar industry that commands worldwide attention.
Given that top Zimbabwean talents like Danai Gurira, Arnold Chirisa and Chipo Chung are making significant strides in Hollywood, local filmmakers keenly observe developments regarding the Oscars.
Another major highlight is the 2026 Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The 68th Grammys will be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.
Legitimacy debate
According to local awards organisers, observers and fans, Zimbabwe is set for yet another exciting awards season as part of the global entertainment village.
The period from November to mid-April constitutes the core of this vibrant, celebrity-dominated awards season.
However, the proliferation of awards has led to debate regarding their fundamental legitimacy and credibility, prompting calls for industry experts to share their insights and help the public understand the basic operational mechanics of these ceremonies.
Agga Nyabinde, the national communications and public relations manager of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), noted that it is essential for both attendees and nominees to thoroughly understand the nature of the awards they are participating in.
“With regard to our awards, the NAMA, for one to be considered, they should enter the awards and provide us with a short biography,” he explained.
Nyabinde urged artistes to take an active role in selecting the material they wish to submit instead of allowing others to make those decisions on their behalf.
“Some managers or aides might not choose the best products. For instance, a manager or messenger might submit a poor track, one of inferior quality,” he said.
He emphasised that they had engaged capable adjudicators to preside over the awards.
“We have done our due diligence to ensure that the nomination process, selection and judging meet expectations,” he pointed out.
Albert Masaka, a reputable organiser of the Zim Community Trailblazers Awards, noted the high public enthusiasm for the season.
“The awards season is popular because they are held annually. In Zimbabwe, we are witnessing a similar spirit, which is quite encouraging as people from various sectors are being honoured,” he said.
“Celebrating individuals who inspire and uplift, our awards bring people together, promoting a sense of belonging and collective purpose. With just a few days until we celebrate, I urge fans to join us in honouring those who embody resilience and excellence.”
Last year, the Zim Community Trailblazers Awards took centre stage at Rainbow Towers, which has become their ceremonial home.
More than 70 awards were presented at the ceremony.
Notably, the renowned Imbube outfit Black Umfolosi, led by Sotsha Moyo, was rewarded for its consistency as Zimbabwe’s cultural ambassador.
The group is famed for the song “Unity”.
From a fashion perspective, Thembani Mbothswa, a designer who has dressed many celebrities, remarked that the awards season is a critical time for nominees and attendees to “shine on the red carpet”.
He stressed: “Awards mean a lot to me because I have dressed many celebrities, both locally and abroad, which is a plus for me.”
While other significant events, such as the Zimdancehall Awards and Zim Hip Hop Awards, may be scheduled later in the year, the November to March/April period remains the busiest and most high-profile segment on the showbiz calendar.
Despite the glamour and excitement, the drama-laden celebrity awards season continues to be marked by a fair share of mixed fortunes.
On a sombre note, the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima), which had gained significant fan popularity, remain in limbo.
Discussions about rebranding have been ongoing since the previous year, leaving many to ask: Could this mark the end of Zima?
Only time will tell.
As the awards season is now upon us, there is an urgent need for nominees, organisers and attendees to elevate their standards to meet and align with established international best practices.
