ZIMBABWE’S creative industry took centre stage as the latest edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) delivered an evening of spectacle, celebration and reflection on the country’s artistic future under the theme Fearless Creativity.
In a wide-ranging conversation, NewsDay Life & Style reporter Tendai Sauta (ND) speaks to Scarlet Studios media director and Nama joint manager Reginald Matinanga (RM) about the production of the February 28 ceremony at the Harare International Conference Centre, the partnerships behind it and the long-term ambition to elevate Nama.
Below are excerpts from the interview.
ND: Could you explain your role as media director and joint manager of the National Arts Merit Awards?
RM: I am the chief executive officer of Matinanga Enterprises, which oversees several subsidiaries, including Scarlet Studios. For the Nama awards, Scarlet Studios partnered Events Evolution to form the current management team responsible for organising the ceremony and managing the Nama brand until 2030. I serve as co-executive director alongside Talent Banda, the chief executive officer of Events Evolution.
ND: The National Arts Merit Awards held on February 28 delivered memorable moments for audiences and artists alike. From your perspective, how would you describe the overall success and atmosphere of this year’s ceremony?
RM: The atmosphere was electric, exhilarating and vibrant. Our goal was to restore the glitz and glamour associated with the awards while delivering a polished production for both the live audience and viewers at home. In my view, we succeeded in creating that experience.
ND: Organising such a prestigious national event requires extensive preparation. Could you walk us through the planning process leading up to the awards and the key elements that had to come together?
- All set for Nama Golf Day
- Nama set to unlock dreams
- ‘Nama submissions substandard’
- Nama: Who stands to win big?
Keep Reading
RM: The process began with defining a clear vision and theme for the show. From there, we assembled a team of professionals capable of delivering that vision. While we have experience in events management, this was our first time managing Nama in this capacity, so it required careful coordination. Once we had the right team aligned with the concept and objectives, execution became far more effective.
ND: Over the years, Nama has developed a strong brand in Zimbabwe’s arts sector. What strategies are being used to strengthen its identity and maintain its relevance among artists and audiences?
RM: The priority is securing buy-in from artists themselves. Nama exists to celebrate their work and we want them to feel proud to be associated with the awards — whether nominated or not. We also want Zimbabweans to appreciate and support local creatives so the industry can grow sustainably. Corporate support is also essential to complement government initiatives. When artists, audiences and corporate partners all participate, the platform becomes stronger and can attract international attention.
ND: This year the awards were managed jointly with Events Evolution. How did this partnership come about and what impact has it had on the production and overall presentation of the awards?
RM: The partnership combines complementary strengths. Scarlet Studios specialises in event planning, coordination and management, while Events Evolution brings technical expertise in sound, staging and production. By bringing these capabilities together, we created a strong team capable of delivering an event of this scale.
ND: The ceremony had several exciting and refreshing moments. Which highlights stood out for you personally and why do you think they resonated with audiences?
RM: The entire show was visually striking and engaging. Even after attending rehearsals, the final presentation still felt powerful. One particularly memorable moment was when artist Nisha T received an award and her grandmother joined her on stage. It was an emotional moment that captured the deeper meaning of celebrating artistic journeys.
ND: The awards celebrate excellence across multiple creative disciplines. What do this year’s winners say about the current state and direction of Zimbabwe’s arts industry?
RM: Zimbabwe has always had strong artistic talent across disciplines. What we want to do now is celebrate that talent with greater style and visibility. Recognising artists in a high-profile setting can motivate them to continue producing work that enriches Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape.
ND: Beyond honouring established artists, how is the National Arts Merit Awards contributing to the visibility and growth of emerging creatives in Zimbabwe?
RM: This year we introduced new categories recognising fashion and digital arts. We also saw content creators who produce skits gaining recognition on the main stage. These additions reflect the evolving nature of artistic expression and our intention to acknowledge emerging forms of creativity.
ND: Conversations about sustainable funding for the creative sector continue to grow. What role do platforms like Nama play in encouraging greater investment in the arts?
RM: Platforms such as Nama help to demonstrate the value of creative talent. When artists receive recognition and visibility, it highlights the potential of the industry and can encourage both government and private sector stakeholders to invest in its growth.
ND: Every major event comes with its challenges. What were some of the key obstacles faced in organising this year’s awards, and how did the team overcome them?
RM: Challenges are inevitable in large-scale events, but the goal is to minimise their impact. One major issue remains the need for more corporate sponsorship to support initiatives of this scale. Another challenge is the limited number of venues capable of hosting large productions, which restricts the variety of staging concepts we can explore.
ND: Looking ahead, what opportunities do you see emerging within Zimbabwe’s creative industries that platforms like the National Arts Merit Awards can help unlock?
RM: Collaboration is key, both among Zimbabwean artists and with creatives from across the region and internationally. We aim to build Nama into a world-class event that attracts global audiences, giving local artists opportunities to showcase their work and collaborate beyond national borders.
ND: Finally, what is your long-term vision for the National Arts Merit Awards and how do you hope the event will evolve in the coming years?
RM: Our long-term vision is to develop Nama into a globally-recognised cultural spectacle. By increasing international visibility, encouraging corporate participation and strengthening local support, we believe Zimbabwean artists can expand their reach and influence worldwide.
