HARARE – The much anticipated NAMA Awards were held at the Harare International Conference Centre on Saturday night under the theme “Fearless Creativity.“
The 24th edition of the event honored outstanding talent across various artistic disciplines, with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) praising winners for elevating Zimbabwean arts on the global stage.
“The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe would like to extend a massive congratulations to all the winners of the National Arts Merit Awards 24th Edition.
“Your dedication to your craft continues to put Zimbabwe on the global map,” said NACZ in a statement.
However, the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) ceremony, known for its celebration of Zimbabwean talent across various artistic genres, once again found itself embroiled in controversy and criticism.
This time, the source of contention stems from the Outstanding Social Media Skits accolade, awarded to Sean Khoza aka Code Red Studios – Tokoloshi over Comic Elder, real name, Leroy Zaware.
Comic Elder, a fan favorite widely regarded for his prolific and entertaining content, left the event empty-handed despite nominations in that category and the People’s Choice Award won by Winky D for a record 10th time.
Other highlights included emotional moments, such as Nisha Ts receiving an award, and recognitions in music, visual arts, digital content, and more.
Despite the debates, the night highlighted the vibrancy and diversity of Zimbabwe’s creative scene.
Here is the full list of NAMA Awards 2026 winners:
NATIONAL ARTS MERIT AWARDS (NAMA) 24TH EDITION WINNERS
1. Visual Arts
- Outstanding Female Visual Artist
Sabina Mutsvati – Ndishonongoreyiwo - Outstanding Male Visual Artist
Pardon Mapondera – Dotipaiwo Mwenje - Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist
Tadiwanashe Joel Mafuta – Dismas - Outstanding Exhibition
CHEUKA Harare Art Fair curated by Laura Ganda and Merilyn Mushakwe
2. Theatre Awards
- Outstanding Actor
Cadrick Msongelwa as Squealer/StoryTeller/Mr. Jones in Zi Animal Farm - Outstanding Actress
Thandolwenkosi Nkiwane as Multi-characters in Ipi Ntombi - Outstanding Theatrical Production
In search of a king by Daniel Deuschle and Benjamin Deuschle - Outstanding Director
Leonard Matsa – Can We Talk?
- Outstanding Playwright
- Tatenda Mutyambizi – These Humans Are Sick
3. Literary Awards
- Outstanding Fiction Book
My Affair with Misfortune by Sipho Mpofo (Published by Elane Publishing Consultancy) - Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
Gonan’ombe Retsika Namararamiro eChivanhu by Morden Tavarwisa (Published by Miamuty) - Outstanding Children’s Book
Mukanyawashe’s Big Adventure by Gerald Shorayi (Published by Essential Books Publishing Company) - Outstanding First Published Work
The Killer Pastor by Entrodge Usayi (Published by Soar Publishers)
4. Film & Television Awards
- Outstanding Actor
Leroy Siyafa as James in God Sleeps on Sundays - Outstanding Actress
Charity Dlodlo as Maria in Forget Me Not - Outstanding Music Video
Fake Love by Winky D (Directed by Tawanda Sibotshiwe aka Jusa Dementor) - Outstanding Screen Production (Television)
Magweja by Dexter Fundire - Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)
God Sleeps on Sundays by Naishe Nyamubaya - Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length)
Dilemma by Joe Njagu
5. Dance Awards
- Outstanding Dance Group/Production
Unseen Stars in Diamond Girls - Outstanding Female Dancer
Celine Madziva in Celine’s work - Outstanding Male Dancer
Prince Mbisa aka Amazing Prince in The Rise of Amazing Prince - Outstanding Choreographer
Tanaka Machikicho in Diamond Girls
6. Spoken Word Awards
- Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian
Nigel Maritinyu aka Nijo the Slick Pastor - Outstanding Poet
Sithandazile Dube
7. Music Awards
- Outstanding Female Musician
Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa aka Nisha Ts - Outstanding Male Musician
Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah - Outstanding Breakthrough Musician
Atenda Chingaira aka Atenda Chinx - Outstanding Music Group
Joyfull Praise Choir
- Outstanding Song
Too Much by Carrington S. Chiwadza aka Nutty O - Outstanding Album
Ndini Mukudzei by Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah
8. Fashion Awards
- Outstanding Male Designer
Ishmael Tsakatsa – Zargue’sia - Outstanding Female Fashion Designer
Danayi Madondo – Haus of Stone - Outstanding Contributor to the Fashion Industry
Joyce Chimanye – ZUVVA
9. Digital Arts Awards
- Outstanding Female Social Media Content Creator
Gracia Bvute – Pot Tradition - Outstanding Male Social Media Content Creator
Marvellous Nyongoro – African Finder - Outstanding Podcast
The Ollah 7 Podcast - Outstanding Social Media Skits
Sean Khoza aka Code Red Studios – Tokoloshi
10. Special Awards
- Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora
Bhekiinkosi Mabhena aka Nitefreak – Music Producer/DJ – France & Spain - Outstanding Arts Journalist/Media House
Plot Mhako - Promoter of the Year
Odyssey Entertainment (Kadoma Music Festival) Owned by Prince Mharadze - Arts Personality Award
Nkululeko Innocent Dube - Arts Service Award
Delta Beverages – Chibuku - Lifetime Achievement Award
Stephen Chigorimbo - People’s Choice Award
Wallace Chirumiko aka Winky D
