The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) today officially launched the 24th Edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) during a press conference held at Scarlet Offices in Harare. The event marked the beginning of yet another exciting season of honouring Zimbabwe’s most outstanding creative talents.
By Plot Mhako
In her address, NACZ Director for Arts Promotion and Development, Mrs. Barbara Gotore, highlighted the significance of NAMA as the country’s highest recognition platform for artistic excellence.
“For over two decades, NAMA has stood as a beacon of excellence — a platform that celebrates, honours, and immortalizes the outstanding achievements of our artists,” she said. “It is the moment we, as a country, say to our artists, we see you, we value you, and we are proud of you.”
The 24th NAMA ceremony will be held on 28 February 2026, with Scarlet Studios and Events Evolution appointed as event managers for the first time. Mrs. Gotore commended the two companies for their early commitment and professionalism, promising full support from NACZ to ensure the awards reach new heights.
Artists have been encouraged to submit original works created between 1 December 2024 and 30 November 2025. Submissions can be made physically at NACZ offices or online via namasubmissions@gmail.com. The physical submission deadline is 4:30 p.m. on 30 November 2025, while online entries close at midnight on the same day.
Mrs. Gotore reaffirmed NACZ’s commitment to a transparent and credible adjudication process, announcing Alinial Chartered Accountants as independent auditors for the 2026 edition.
“The involvement of a firm of such high repute ensures that the adjudication process and overall execution of NAMA will be conducted with the utmost professionalism and scrutiny,” she emphasized.
The 24th NAMA will feature nine competitive categories and a special awards section, totaling 44 awards. Notably, this year introduces new categories for Fashion and Digital Arts, recognizing the growing influence of Zimbabwe’s style and online creative industries.
Mrs. Gotore also called on corporate partners, the media, and the public to play their part in celebrating local talent.
“The success of NAMA is not a solo act it is a symphony of many players,” she noted. “Let us work together to make this the most spectacular NAMA yet.”
The 24th National Arts Merit Awards promise a night of glamour, creativity, and celebration, spotlighting the stars shaping Zimbabwe’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
Here are the full categories for the 24th National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA 2026):
- Visual Arts
Outstanding Female Visual Artist
Outstanding Male Visual Artist
Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist
Outstanding Exhibition. - Theatre Awards
Outstanding Actor
Outstanding Actress
Outstanding Theatrical Production
Outstanding Director
Outstanding Playwright. - Literary Awards
Outstanding Fiction Book
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
Outstanding First Published Work
Outstanding Children’s Book. - Film & Television Awards
Outstanding Actor
Outstanding Actress
Outstanding Music Video
Outstanding Screen Production (Television)
Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length)
Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film). - Dance Awards
Outstanding Dance Group/Production
Outstanding Female Dancer
Outstanding Male Dancer
Outstanding Choreographer. - Spoken Word Awards
Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian
Outstanding Poet. - Music Awards
Outstanding Female Musician
Outstanding Male Musician
Outstanding Breakthrough Musician
Outstanding Music Group
Outstanding Song
Outstanding Album.
🆕 8. Fashion Awards (New Category)
Outstanding Male Fashion Designer
Outstanding Female Fashion Designer
Outstanding Contributor to the Fashion Industry
🆕 9. Digital Arts Awards (New Category)
Outstanding Male/Female Social Media Content Creator
Outstanding Podcast
- 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.
Total Awards: 44
New Additions: Fashion Awards and Digital Arts Awards introduced for the first time in NAMA history.
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