. . . National Arts Merit Awards mark a quarter century of celebrating Zimbabwean creativity
By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE — The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) will mark its 25th edition in February 2027, a historic Silver Jubilee celebration that the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has described as “a celebration of the depth of Zimbabwe’s creative expertise.”
Announcing the milestone at a press conference in Harare on Tuesday, the NACZ CEO said the upcoming edition represents far more than a number.
“This is not just a number; it is a milestone. It represents a quarter of a century of resilience, evolution, and excellence,” Napoleon Nyanhi the NACZ CEO said.
NAMA was established in 2001, with the inaugural edition held in 2002. Over the past 24 years, the awards have become the pinnacle of recognition for Zimbabwean creativity, honouring artists, musicians, actors, dancers, writers and visual artists across the country.
A Quarter Century of Resilience
The Silver Jubilee edition carries special significance, arriving after a period of significant challenge for Zimbabwe’s creative sector.
The NACZ CEO framed the milestone as a testament to the endurance and growth of the country’s artistic community.
“This Silver Jubilee edition carries a special significance,” Nyanhi said. “It is a celebration of the depth of Zimbabwe’s creative expertise.”
The awards have weathered economic turbulence, the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting industry dynamics, yet have remained the gold standard for artistic achievement in Zimbabwe.
February 2027 Showpiece
The 25th edition will take place in February 2027, with the NACZ promising a production worthy of the occasion. The council confirmed that Scarlet Studios and Events Evolution — who produced the 24th edition — will return to steer the Silver Jubilee show.
“We have absolute faith in their ability to curate an experience that provides that ‘WOW’ effect every single time,” Nyanhi said.
A National Celebration
He emphasised that NAMA belongs not to the Council but to the people of Zimbabwe.
“These awards do not belong to the Council; they belong to the people of Zimbabwe,” Nyanhi said, thanking the media for being “the bridge between the arts and the public.”
As Zimbabwe’s creative sector continues to grow in profile and economic significance, the 25th edition of NAMA will serve as both a retrospective of past excellence and a launchpad for the next generation of artistic talent.
“The clock is ticking,” Nyanhi said, urging artists to submit their work for consideration.
With the submission window now open and the closing date set for Monday, 30 November 2026, the countdown to Zimbabwe’s biggest arts celebration has officially begun.
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