A BLAZE of colour, thunderous choreography and cinematic sound opened the 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) at the Harare International Conference Centre on Saturday.
Gospel harmonies soared into dancehall basslines as giant LED screens flashed eye-catching visuals, punctuated by engaging pre-recorded voice-overs that stitched each segment into a seamless spectacle.
From synchronised dance ensembles to multi-genre collaborations, the night embodied its theme Fearless Creativity while signalling Zimbabwe’s intent to stage world-class cultural events.
Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation acting minister, Tino Machakaire, described the arts as a vital economic engine and pillar of national identity. In his keynote address, he emphasised government’s commitment to strengthening creative and cultural industries under the National Development Strategy 2, highlighting job creation, formalisation of the sector and enhanced production standards.
Machakaire described the creative sector as a critical engine for job creation and economic growth.
“Through the National Cultural and Creative Industries Strategy, we are transforming this sector into a powerhouse, a brand that contributes significantly to our GDP. Our objective is clear. We must expand formal employment within the creative economy and strengthen the value chains across the sector. Professionalism, innovation and technical excellence will define the next phase of government,” he said.
Board chairperson of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Nosipo Maraire, traced Nama’s journey since its launch in 2002, noting that 759 awards have been presented over 23 editions. This year alone, 2 382 nominations were received from across the country, with Harare and Bulawayo accounting for the highest submissions.
She reported a 46,5% rise in film entries and a 148% increase in literature submissions. Two new categories, namely Fashion and Digital Arts, were introduced, reflecting evolving creative trends.
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Maraire added that, for the first time, a professional public auditor oversaw the adjudication process to enhance transparency. Quoting Nelson Mandela from Long Walk to Freedom, she reminded artists that “Courage is not the absence of fear. It is triumph over it.”
Behind the scenes, technical director Remember Chaitezvi, an internationally-active Zimbabwean sound engineer, credited collaboration between Scarlet Media and Events Evolution for delivering high production standards.
He highlighted partnerships with leading African technical service providers, saying access to world-class equipment enables local creatives to meet global benchmarks. Reflecting on his return home, he described feeling “Goosebumps” and even having tears during performances, calling the experience “a blessing.”
The winners’ roll underscored the awards’ breadth. In music, Mukudzeyi Mukombe (Jah Prayzah) secured Outstanding Male Musician and Outstanding Album for Ndini Mukudzeyi, while Wallace Chirumiko (Winky D) claimed Outstanding Music Video for Fake Love and the People’s Choice Award.
In literature, Sipho Mpofu’s My Affair with Misfortune won Outstanding Fiction Award and Gerald Shorayi’s Mukanyawashe’s Big Adventure triumphed in Children’s Book category. Film honours included Dilemma (Full Length) and God Sleeps on Sundays (Short Film). Visual arts accolades went to Sabina Mutsvati and Pardon Mapondera, while fashion, digital arts and diaspora categories reflected expanding creative frontiers.
Artists and stakeholders praised the awards’ evolution. Actress and musician Caroline Chirowodza commended Nama’s “bold creativity and strong artistic identity.”
Children’s author Gerald Shorayi described his win as both humbling and motivating, affirming the responsibility of shaping young readers. Arts advocate Ben Mahaka noted a visible transition from traditional broadcasting to digitally-driven creators commanding significant following, which is evidence, he said, of a dynamic cultural shift.
As applause echoed through the HICC, Nama 24 stood as both celebration and statement, a resilient institution refining its craft, expanding its reach and edging closer to the standards of globally-competitive cultural showcases.
