. . . NACZ warns creatives: “Do not assume you will always be noticed”
By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE — The submission window for the 25th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) is officially open, with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) urging artists across the country to submit their work before the closing date of Monday, 30 November 2026.
Announcing the opening at a press conference in Harare on Tuesday, the NACZ CEO Napoleon Nyanhi made a passionate plea to Zimbabwe’s creative community.
“I want to make a passionate plea to every creative in this country: Do not make the assumption that you will always be noticed,” Nyanhi said.
Submission Is Everything
Nyanhi emphasised that while the Council appreciates the hustle of Zimbabwean artists, the adjudication process is based strictly on what is submitted and monitored.
“We have support from our institutional monitors, radio and television stations, as well as other creative institutions, who provide information for adjudication,” he said.
“However, you cannot leave your fate entirely to chance. If you have produced work that moved audiences, submit it. Let your work speak for itself on the adjudication table.”
The message was clear: artists cannot rely on being discovered. They must take their fate into their own hands by submitting their work for consideration.
Integrity Assured
He also moved to reassure participants that the integrity of the awards remains “sacrosanct.”
“We have an experienced panel of adjudicators who will transparently screen the submitted works and select the winners,” he said.
Nyanhi clarified NACZ’s role in the process: “NACZ will only be there to guide and observe the process. We do not vote, and we do not select winners.
“The adjudicators are the custodians of the standard, ensuring that only the best of the best are recognized. Your role is to submit; their role is to judge objectively.”
Don’t Wait for the Last Minute
With the closing date set for Monday, 30 November 2026, Nyanhi urged artists to submit their entries early.
“The clock is ticking. We encourage everyone who is willing to participate to get their entries in before this deadline. Do not wait for the last minute. Give the adjudicators ample time to appreciate your craft.”
A Call to All Creatives
The call extends to artists, musicians, actors, dancers, writers and visual artists across Zimbabwe. The 25th edition — the Silver Jubilee — represents a historic opportunity for creatives to be part of a milestone celebration of Zimbabwean excellence.
“This is your moment,” he said.
With the submission window now open, Zimbabwe’s artists have three months to ensure their work is on the adjudication table. The message from NACZ is simple: submit, and let your work speak for itself.
Key Dates:
Submission window: Now open
Closing date: Monday, 30 November 2026
Awards ceremony: February 2027
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