By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) are stepping into their 24th edition draped in fresh style, elegance, and renewed energy — and this time, fashion is taking centre stage.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Thursday, Mrs. Barbara Gotore, Director for Arts Promotion and Development at the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), revealed that the upcoming NAMA ceremony, slated for 28 February 2026, will not only celebrate artistic excellence but also elevate Zimbabwe’s creative image through sophistication, glam, and cultural pride.
“The spotlight is preparing to shine on the stars of Zimbabwean art,” Gotore said. “The 24th NAMA promises to be a night of glamour, celebration, and unforgettable performances.”
Barbara Gotore pics by NACZ
This year marks a new era for the iconic awards, as Scarlet Studios and Events Evolution take the reins as event managers, signaling a modern, fashion-conscious reinvention of the NAMA experience.
With these dynamic teams behind the production, audiences can expect a ceremony that merges red-carpet flair with world-class artistry.
Beyond the trophies and applause, Gotore emphasized NAMA’s deeper role as a national platform that honours authenticity and innovation.
Artists are invited to submit original works created between 1 December 2024 and 30 November 2025, with entries open to all Zimbabwean nationals and residents — whether registered with NACZ or not.
But it’s not just about art; it’s about image, identity, and inspiration. The inclusion of Alinial Chartered Accountants as independent auditors adds a layer of professionalism and trust, while the call for corporate partnerships positions NAMA as both a cultural and economic statement.
“Your investment in NAMA is not merely sponsorship; it is a strategic investment in the nation’s cultural fabric and creative economy,” Gotore told potential sponsors.
As anticipation builds, the fashion community is already abuzz. Designers, stylists, and creatives are gearing up to use the NAMA red carpet as a showcase of Zimbabwean design excellence — from couture gowns to Afro-urban statements that reflect the country’s evolving cultural pulse.
In Gotore’s words, NAMA’s success is “a symphony of many players.” From media houses amplifying the stories of nominees to the public voting in the People’s Choice Award, everyone has a role in crafting a night that will sparkle with talent and elegance.
Come February, the stage will not only honour the best in music, theatre, literature, and film — it will also celebrate the art of presentation itself.
The 24th NAMA is shaping up to be more than an awards show. It’s Zimbabwe’s grandest runway for creativity — where art meets fashion, and excellence meets elegance.
The National Arts Merit Awards currently comprise nine competitive categories and one honorary category for Special Awards, making a total of 44 awards overall.
The Categories are;
1. Visual Arts
Outstanding Female Visual Artist
Outstanding Male Visual Artist
Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist
Outstanding Exhibition
NB:
a) In this category, all forms of visual art are considered, including 2-Dimensional work, 3-Dimensional work, Mixed media, Photography, etc.
b) Also, submissions can be in the form of pictures, portfolios, videos and/or booklets.
2. Theatre Awards
Outstanding Actor
Outstanding Actress
Outstanding Theatrical Production
Outstanding Director
Outstanding Playwright
NB:
a) In this category, artistes should submit videos of the full play with high resolution quality (at least 720p)
b) Playwrights are to submit full scripts together with the video of the play.
3. Literary Awards
Outstanding Fiction Book
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
Outstanding First Published Work
Outstanding Children’s Book
NB: Artistes are to submit 3 hard copies of their books for physical submission, and for online, they are to submit soft copies in PDF form.
4. Film & Television Awards
Outstanding Actor
Outstanding Actress
Outstanding Music Video
Outstanding Screen Production (Television)
Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length)
Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)
NB:
a) The Outstanding Actor & Actress award is not only for the main characters, but also for supporting characters (as they might outperform the main characters).
b) The award for outstanding music video goes to the Director of the music video, not the musician.
c) Short film must be at least 1 minute and not more than 40 minutes long
d) Full-length film should be more than 40 minutes long
5. Dance Awards
Outstanding Dance Group/Production
Outstanding Female Dancer
Outstanding Male Dancer
Outstanding Choreographer
NB:
a) Dance Productions must be at least 10 Minutes & not more than 90 minutes long
6. Spoken Word Awards
Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian
Outstanding Poet
NB:
a) An act for stand-up comedy should be at least 10 minutes long
b) Poets can submit audio albums, and or videos
7. Music Awards
Outstanding Female Musician
Outstanding Male Musician
Outstanding Breakthrough Musician
Outstanding Music Group
Outstanding Song
Outstanding Album
NB:
a) Breakthrough musician – is for rising musician who make a breakthrough during the period under consideration.
b) Outstanding Music group Award – recognizes musical ensembles that perform and produce collectively, where creative contribution and performance are shared among members. It is intended for duos, bands, or groups that operate as a unit rather than being centred around a single lead artist.
Please note that acts led and identified by an individual name, such as Alick Macheso & Orchestra Mberikwazvo or Jah Prayzah & The 3rd Generation Band, do not qualify under this category. Such acts are considered under the Outstanding Male or Female Musician category, as the group primarily supports a single lead performer.
[NEW CATEGORIES]
8. Fashion Awards
Outstanding Male Fashion Designer
Outstanding Female Fashion Designer
Outstanding Contributor to the Fashion Industry
NB:
a) For Outstanding Male and Female Designers awards, designers are to submit
i) Lookbook / Portfolio/Video(s) of the work done during the time under consideration.
ii) Summary of the designs
b) In terms of Outstanding Contributor to the Fashion Industry, the artist is to submit a Full Profile or Biography.
9. Digital Arts Awards
Outstanding Male/Female Social Media Content Creator
Outstanding Podcast
NB:
a) This category is broad and the creatives considered include lifestyle and culture vloggers, micro-educators, web series, etc.
b) The videos submitted for the Outstanding Male and Female Social Media Content Creator categories must have a duration of not more than 10 minutes and not less than 1 minute. Any content that is beyond 10 minutes falls under the film & Television category.
c) For all categories creatives are to submit at least 3 videos and include their official social media handle i.e. (X, Tik Tok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook)
10. Special Awards
Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora
Outstanding Arts Journalist/Media House
Promoter of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Arts Service Award
Arts Personality Award
People’s Choice Award.
NB:
a) The People’s Choice Award is the only category nominated and decided by the general public through a voting process.
b) The Promoter of the Year Award is assessed based on factors such as increased consumption of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) products and services, sector growth and compliance, as well as cultural, social, and economic impact.
c) For the Lifetime Achievement Award, Arts Personality Award, and Arts Service Award, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) engages in consultations with stakeholders, captains of the industry, and representatives from the CCIs to determine the recipients.
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