Zimbabwean journalist, creative director, and media entrepreneur Plot Mhako has been awarded the Outstanding Journalist Award at the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), marking a major milestone in his long-standing contribution to documenting and promoting Zimbabwe’s creative sector.
By Earground TV Team
The award was presented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Recreation during the 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards, held on Saturday, 28 February at the Harare International Conference Centre. The ceremony brought together leading figures from Zimbabwe’s arts and culture sector under the theme “Fearless Creativity.”
Mhako, the founder of earGROUND Media and Creative Director of Jibilika Dance Trust and Moto Moto Festival in Germany, has built a reputation for consistently documenting the evolution of Zimbabwe’s music, dance, and cultural movements. His work spans journalism, digital storytelling, and creative industry development, often spotlighting emerging and underrepresented artists.
The 2025 win comes after several years of recognition for his work. Mhako had previously been nominated four times in the Outstanding Journalist category before finally taking home the award this year.
Speaking after receiving the accolade, Mhako described the moment as both affirming and motivating.
“This award is a validation for all the work I have been doing in documenting arts and culture and also amplifying our creatives. It’s a motivation to go on,” he said.
Through earGROUND Media, Mhako has played a key role in promoting Zimbabwean creative voices locally and internationally, producing media content, industry conversations, and cultural documentation that highlight the country’s vibrant arts ecosystem.
Over the years, he has also been involved in establishing several creative platforms and initiatives that support artists and cultural practitioners, contributing to the growth and visibility of Zimbabwe’s creative economy.
“Plot Mhako is a visionary journalist, creative director, and media entrepreneur whose work has reshaped Zimbabwe’s arts and media landscape. As founder of earGROUND Media and multiple groundbreaking initiatives, he has documented, amplified, and exported Zimbabwean stories to the world, strengthening the creative industry through advocacy and innovation.” — National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA
The 24th NAMAs celebrated excellence across multiple artistic disciplines, recognizing outstanding achievements in music, film, literature, dance, visual arts, and media. With the theme “Fearless Creativity,” the awards highlighted artists and cultural leaders who continue to push boundaries and innovate despite challenges within the creative sector.
Mhako’s NAMA win underscores the growing recognition of arts journalism and cultural documentation as a vital pillar in the development and preservation of Zimbabwe’s creative industries.
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