The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) is Zimbabwe’s biggest and most anticipated award event on the calendar, drawing multi-sectoral creatives into one space and orchestrating historic moments of success. This year’s event is set for the 26th of February 2022 and preparations are in overdrive with the nominees being announced on the 10th of this month.

By Fadzai Mathabire

Following a tremendous online show last year, the annual ceremony is back on the main stage as the show will happen in-person on Saturday the 26th of February 2022. While details about the line-up of performers are yet to be revealed, last year’s talent memorably included Busi Ncube, Nutty O, and Tamy Moyo to mention a few. 

The 20th edition of the Awards ceremony which celebrates Zimbabwean excellence in all art forms is going with the theme Zimbabwe & Beyond “Amelevels”.

The organizers have gone to lengths to make the event inclusive and make sure that art in all forms is celebrated from creatives in Zimbabwe and the diaspora alike. Although, we expect nothing short of fireworks with a prestigious red carpet action, stunning performances and lots of  surprises on that #Amalevels tip. We also know that the Ma9 was in the Harare recording as part of the NAMA20 production.

Preparations and rehearsals are already underway for celebrations which will be more than a one day show. With the nominees list set to be out this week, plans are already underway for a Nominees Party on the eve of the awards ceremony.

In the same light of going to lengths to support creatives, NAMA hosted the second edition of NAMA Golf Day last October as a forerunner to the forthcoming 20th Awards Ceremony. The event which hosted approximately 100 players (in line with COVID-19 guidelines) from the artistic and private sectors, including Russell “Russo” Chiradza, MisRed and teams from Columbus DDB, Delta Corporation, and Decorpack provides a platform to break the ice between creatives and business leaders, paving way for potentially long lasting synergies beneficial for all. NAMA has proved that they thrive to add value to creatives in Zimbabwe beyond the traditional awards.

Speaking with earGROUND last week, JCMC expressed confidence in the upcoming event as a lot of effort has been invested in the preparations. 

“We have been working and planning towards #NAMA20 since last year when we finished #NamaLegends. Some of the plans and dreams we dropped, and adopted better ideas in some instances. We hope that Saturday 26 February will be one arts fete for the books. A big party to celebrate our art and a successful one at that.” they said.

More details on the event will be shared on earGROUND and the awards and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe platforms as we continue to countdown to the big day.