Arts organisation Khaya Arts from Bulawayo were the winners at the 23rd edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) held at the Hippodrome in Harare on Saturday evening, clinching two awards.

The event, curated by the Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC), celebrated Zimbabwe’s finest artistic talents in a well-coordinated ceremony that showcased the country’s creative growth.

From the outset, the red carpet was abuzz with excitement as arts enthusiasts and celebrities mingled, taking snapshots with notable figures, including South African actress Nombulelo Mhlongo — popular for her role as Sne in Durban Gen — alongside Zimbabwe’s own icons such as Tinashe Mutarisi, Tamy Moyo, Sylent Nqo and Bagga. The electric atmosphere set the stage for an unforgettable night of celebration.

The night undoubtedly belonged to Khaya Arts Production, which claimed the Outstanding Dance Group award, while its director, Future Dube, secured the Outstanding Choreographer accolade. Reflecting on the achievement, Dube said perseverance was the cornerstone of their success.

“This is our first time winning a Nama, and I can’t begin to describe our excitement as a team. We’ve been nominated before, and we’ve submitted for years without success, but we never gave up. This victory is proof that perseverance pays off. Winning two gongs in one night is a milestone that will elevate Khaya Arts Production to greater heights.”

On the night, Zimpapers also had a moment in the spotlight as journalist Mthabisi Tshuma bagged the Outstanding Journalist/Media House award for his coverage in the Chronicle. This marked his first Nama win after being nominated the previous year.

“Okuhle kuyabukwa,” Tshuma remarked upon receiving his award.
“Being recognised on a national platform is a great honour, and having this award placed under the special category this year makes it even more special. I’m humbled that my work is being acknowledged.”

The night also witnessed history in the making as nine-year-old Victoria Falls actor Skhanyiso “Ska” Ngwenya became the youngest recipient of the Outstanding Actor award for his role in Rise in Rise. Ngwenya’s win was met with widespread admiration, proving that talent knows no age.

In a move to elevate Zimbabwean music onto the international stage, the Outstanding Breakthrough Artiste (Music) award came with an exciting perk. Winner Chillmaster earned an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at the Moto Moto Festival in Germany in July, a gesture that was met with rousing applause from the audience.

Music lovers were treated to a series of breath-taking performances from artistes such as Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Nisha Ts, Hwinza, Bagga, Joyful Praise, Sylent Nqo, Oriyano, Denilson, ProBeatz, and Atenda Chin. However, it was Jah Prayzah’s electrifying set that truly brought the house down, leaving the audience on their feet in sheer admiration.

While host Nabeelah Jogee who presented the show alongside Charlent Mangweni-Furusa initially struggled to connect with the crowd, the overall ambience remained vibrant throughout the evening. The presence of high-profile Gvernment officials added a layer of prestige to the event, signalling national support for the arts sector.

The 23rd edition of the Nama saw notable improvements in organisation, with JCMC bowing out in style after managing the awards since 2019.

While no event is ever perfect, several enhancements were evident. There was better speech timing as award winners speeches were kept concise, ensuring a smoother flow of proceedings. For purposes of inclusivity, the presence of two sign language interpreters allowed deaf attendees to fully engage with the event.

Also, the inclusion of figures such as Nombulelo Mhlongo not only enriched the awards but also strengthened Zimbabwe’s artistic ties beyond its borders.

The use of a teleprompter for hosts and presenters added a layer of professionalism, ensuring a well-structured presentation.
Despite these advancements, there remains room for growth, particularly in entertainment interludes. While musical performances are a staple, incorporating other art forms such as comedy, poetry, and theatrical skits could enhance audience engagement. Additionally, as with any awards ceremony, debates over winners and perceived snubs were inevitable, proving once again that the Namas continue to be a platform of passionate discourse within the creative industry.

As the curtains closed on this year’s edition, it was evident that the Namas are on an upward trajectory, laying a solid foundation for future improvements. With continued refinement, the awards have the potential to reach international standards and further cement Zimbabwe’s place on the global arts stage.

Below is a full list of the National Arts Merit Awards 23rd edition winners

1. Dance Awards
Outstanding Female Dancer
Celine Madziva in Respect My team
Outstanding Male Dancer
Tichaona “Hero’’ Chikara in Into the light
Outstanding Dance Group/Production
Khaya Arts Productions in UniAfrica
Outstanding Choreographer
Future Dube — Khaya Arts Productions

2. Visual Arts Awards
Outstanding Male Visual Artist
Moffat Takadiwa
Outstanding Female Visual Artist
Portia Zvavahera
Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist
Kundai Nathan
Outstanding Exhibition
6 th Venice Biennale by Various Artists curated by Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa

3. Spoken Word Awards
Outstanding Poet
Kudakwashe Rice
Outstanding Social Media Skits
Panashe Gurende aka Moojaya
Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian
Mukudzei Majoni aka King Kandoro

4. Theatre Awards

Outstanding Actress
Caroline Mashingaidze Zimbizi as Tete Sabina in Family Riots
Outstanding Actor
Michael Kudakwashe as Sidney in Family Riots
Outstanding Theatrical Production
The Aftermath by Patsimeredu Trust
Outstanding Director
Everson Ndlovu — Haywire
Outstanding Playwright
Leonard Matsa — Promise
5. Literary Arts Awards

Outstanding First Published Work
Zagamo the war within by Ray Mawerera, Published by Royalty Books
Outstanding Children’s Book
Chimbira Nedzimwe Ngano by Primrose Dzenga Published by Torch Bearers Trust Books
Outstanding Fiction Book
Weeping Tomato by Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure Published by Carnelian Hearts Limited
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing Business in a Fluid Economy by Divine Simbi Ndhlukula PhD Published by Divine Simbi-Ndlukula (PhD)

6. Film & Television Awards
Outstanding Actress
Munashe Goromonzi as Tsitsi in The November Promise
Outstanding Actor
Skanyiso Ngwenya as Rise in Rise
Outstanding Music Video
Nhemamusasa by Bagga Directed by Leopold Tapiwa Vengesa aka Leoy V
Outstanding Screen Production (Television)
The DNA Show by Tinashe Mugabe
Outstanding Screen Production (Short film)
Dollar by Tawanda Vombo
Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length film)
Nhoroondo by Vusa Hlatshwayo

7. Music Awards

Outstanding Female Musician
Thamsanqa Moyo aka Tamy Moyo
Outstanding Male Musician
Hillary Marufu aka Master H
Outstanding Breakthrough Musician
Gift Kudakwashe Hombarume aka Chillmaster
Outstanding Music Group
The Unveiled
Outstanding Song
Kana Ndanyura by Kelvin Kusikwenyu aka Killer T
Outstanding Album
NOP Makoni by Nkosilathi Sibiya aka Voltz JT

8. Special Awards
Promoter of the Year
Event Hulks
Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora
Masimba Hwati (Visual Artist) based in Poland
Arts Service Award
Prince Edward School
Arts Personality Award
Partson Chimbodza (Chipaz Promotions)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Philip Svosve
People’s Choice Award
Wallace Chirumiko aka Winky D(@chronicle)