The 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMAs) delivered a night of glamour, bold fashion and outstanding performances at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on Saturday, 28 February.
Held under the theme “Fearless Creativity,” the ceremony will be remembered as one of the most daring and visually striking editions yet a celebration of artists who continue to push boundaries across disciplines. The 2026 awards marked the first of three editions to be staged under the stewardship of Scarlet Studios and Events Evolution, signalling a fresh chapter for the country’s premier arts accolades.
The event was steered by dynamic hosts KVG and Pathisani Sibanda, with lively support from Yahya Goodvibes and Merciless, who kept the energy high throughout the evening.
NAMAs 24 Restored Confidence in Zimbabwe’s Premier Arts Awards
A major highlight of the night was a thrilling Zim hip hop medley featuring Sane Wav, Runna Rulez, Young Gemini, Bling4 and Ba Shupi, showcasing the vibrancy of the genre’s new school. Nostalgia met elegance during an urban grooves interlude by Plaxedes Wenyika, Alexio Kawara and Dino Mudondo, while dancehall stars Jnr Spragga, Shone and Madedido brought the house down with an explosive set.
Guest of honour, Honourable Tino Machakaire, Minister of Youth and Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Recreation, commended creatives for their resilience and contribution to national development. Also present was Permanent Secretary Nicholas Moyo, former Executive Director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
Board Chairperson Dr Nozipo Maraire Africa’s first Black female neurosurgeon and an accomplished author praised the NAMA team for delivering a world-class production and applauded the steady growth of Zimbabwe’s creative industries.
National Arts Council Director Napoleon Nyanhi extended gratitude to stakeholders and government for their unwavering support.
From fearless red-carpet statements to electrifying performances, the 24th NAMAs reaffirmed their status as the ultimate celebration of artistic excellence in Zimbabwe.
FULL WINNERS LIST • 24th NATIONAL ARTS MERIT AWARDS (NAMA) 2026
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1. Visual Arts
Outstanding Female Visual Artist
Sabina Mutsvati – Ndishonongoreiwo
Outstanding Male Visual Artist
Pardon Mapondera – Dotipaiwo Mwenje
Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist
Tadiwanashe Joel Mafuta – Dismas
Outstanding Exhibition
CHEUKA Harare Art Fair (Curated by Laura Ganda and Merilyn Mushakwe)
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2. Theatre Awards
Outstanding Actor
Cadrick Msongelwa as Squealer/StoryTeller/Mr. Jones in Zi Animal Farm
Outstanding Actress
Thandolwenkosi Nkiwane as Multi-Characters in Ipi Ntombi
Outstanding Theatrical Production
In Search of a King – Daniel Deuschle and Benjamin Deuschle
Outstanding Director
Leonard Matsa – Can We Talk?
Outstanding Playwright
Tatenda Mutyambizi – These Humans Are Sick
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3. Literary Awards
Outstanding Fiction Book
My Affair with Misfortune – Sipho Mpofu
(Published by Elane Publishing Consultancy)
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
Gonan’ombe Retsika Namararamiro eChivanhu – Morden Tavarwisa
(Published by Miamuty)
Outstanding Children’s Book
Mukanyawashe’s Big Adventure – Gerald Shorayi
(Published by Essential Books Publishing Company)
Outstanding First Published Work
The Killer Pastor – Entrodge Usayi
(Published by Soar Publishers)
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4. Film & Television Awards
Outstanding Actor
Leroy Siyafa as James in God Sleeps on Sundays
Outstanding Actress
Charity Dlodlo as Maria in Forget Me Not
Outstanding Music Video
Fake Love – Winky D
(Directed by Tawanda Sibotshiwe aka Jusa Dementor)
Outstanding Screen Production (Television)
Magweja – Dexter Fundire
Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)
God Sleeps on Sundays – Naishe Nyamubaya
Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length Film)
Dilemma – Joe Njagu
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5. Dance Awards
Outstanding Dance Group/Production
Unseen Stars in Diamond Girls
Outstanding Female Dancer
Celine Madziva – Celine’s Work
Outstanding Male Dancer
Prince Mbisa (Amazing Prince) – The Rise of Amazing Prince
Outstanding Choreographer
Tanaka Machikicho – Diamond Girls
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6. Spoken Word Awards
Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian
Nigel Maritinyu (Nijo the Slick Pastor)
Outstanding Poet
Sithandazile Dube
⸻
7. Music Awards
Outstanding Female Musician
Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa (Nisha Ts)
Outstanding Male Musician
Mukudzeyi Mukombe (Jah Prayzah)
Outstanding Breakthrough Musician
Atenda Chingaira (Atenda Chinx)
Outstanding Music Group
Joyfull Praise Choir
Outstanding Song
Too Much – Carrington S. Chiwadza (Nutty O)
Outstanding Album
Ndini Mukudzeyi – Mukudzeyi Mukombe (Jah Prayzah)
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8. Fashion Awards
Outstanding Male Designer
Ishmael Tsakatsa – Zargue’sia
Outstanding Female Fashion Designer
Danayi Madondo – Haus of Stone
Outstanding Contributor to the Fashion Industry
Joyce Chimanye – ZUVVA
⸻
9. Digital Arts Awards
Outstanding Female Social Media Content Creator
Gracia Bvute – Pot Tradition
Outstanding Male Social Media Content Creator
Marvellous Nyongoro – African Finder
Outstanding Podcast
The Ollah 7 Podcast
Outstanding Social Media Skits
Sean Khoza (Code Red Studios) – Tokoloshi
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10. Special Awards
Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora
Bhekinkosi Mabhena (DJ Nitefreak) – Music Producer/DJ (France/Spain)
Outstanding Arts Journalist/Media House
Plot Mhako
Promoter of the Year
Odyssey Entertainment (Kadoma Music Festival) – Owned by Prince Mharadze
Arts Personality Award
Nkululeko Innocent Dube
Arts Service Award
Delta Beverages – Chibuku
Lifetime Achievement Award
Stephen Chigorimbo
People’s Choice Award
Winky D (Wallace Chirumiko)
Pictures credit – National Arts Merit Awards / NACZ
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