By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
The anticipation is building as the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) unveils the official nominees for the 23rd edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA).
With an impressive 2,371 entries received across various disciplines, this year’s awards promise to be one of the most competitive and exciting editions yet.
Covering artistic works produced between December 1, 2023, and November 30, 2024, the adjudication process has been rigorous, ensuring that only the best of Zimbabwe’s creative industry makes the cut. The sheer volume of submissions—814 physical entries, 1,073 online submissions, and 484 nominations by monitors—is a clear indicator that Zimbabwe’s arts sector is not only alive but thriving, with artists pushing boundaries and redefining storytelling through music, film, literature, dance, visual arts, and theatre.
This year’s nominations also highlight the continued artistic excellence emerging from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s cultural hub. Among those representing the city in this prestigious event are Khaya Arts Production, John Mabuyane, Chelesile Mpofu, Ronald Sigeca, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Nobert Makoche, Madlela Sikhobokhobo, Sithandazile Dube, and Future Dube. Their recognition at NAMA reflects not only their individual artistic brilliance but also the rich creative heritage of Bulawayo, which continues to produce some of the country’s most influential artists.
Speaking to Byo Arts News Online (BANO), Outstanding Theatre Actor nominee Ronald Sigeca expressed his gratitude for being recognized. "I feel great, this is for everyone that I worked with in the production *Promise*. If it wasn't for the team, I don't think I would have been able to achieve this nomination. I also thank God for my talents; this nomination is a reaffirmation that I am blessed with a powerful gift. So for that, I am grateful," he said.
Future Dube, Outstanding Choreographer nominee and Director of Khaya Arts Production (nominated for Outstanding Arts Group) said this nomination means a lot to them as a group.
"This is our second nomination so far and it feels great to be nominated again at a national level. The nomination alone is enough to give us the recognition from other clients and potential customers," said Dube
For many of these creatives, a NAMA nomination is more than just a personal achievement—it is a national acknowledgment of their hard work, resilience, and impact. At a time when creatives continue to navigate economic challenges, securing a place on the country’s most prestigious arts platform serves as a powerful validation of their craft.
Over the years, NAMA has evolved from being just an awards ceremony into a cultural institution that documents and preserves the creative history of Zimbabwe. Every year, new names emerge, while established artists continue to cement their legacies. This delicate balance between recognizing fresh talent and honoring veterans ensures that the Zimbabwean arts industry remains dynamic and ever-evolving.
The NACZ’s commitment to engaging the wider creative ecosystem—including producers, production houses, media outlets, arts organizations, and institutions—reflects a holistic approach to celebrating the arts. Beyond the winners, NAMA serves as a mirror reflecting the pulse of the nation’s creative heartbeat, capturing the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Zimbabwe’s artists.
With the nominees now officially announced, all eyes are set on the grand awards ceremony, where the best of Zimbabwean talent will be honored. As the NACZ stated, "Let the creative works speak for themselves"—a powerful reminder that while awards are a great milestone, the real legacy of an artist lies in their ability to inspire, influence, and shape culture through their work.
The 23rd NAMA edition is not just an awards show; it is a celebration of Zimbabwe’s artistic spirit—a moment to recognize those who continue to elevate the country’s creative landscape, one masterpiece at a time.
