The 23rd National Arts Merit Awards Set to Shine with New Innovations and Celebrations of Talent
The 23rd edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMAs) promises to be a memorable event, set to take place in Harare on March 31, 2025. While the exact venue is yet to be announced, fans and artists alike are eagerly awaiting a spectacular evening that will be full of surprises and fresh talent.
This year’s event, organized by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in collaboration with Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC), aims to celebrate Zimbabwe’s vibrant arts scene, while also providing a platform for economic empowerment. In a bid to make the NAMAs more inclusive, the event will feature an array of entrepreneurs who will have the opportunity to sell their goods and services, creating a dynamic and lively atmosphere.
NACZ’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Agga Nyabinde, shared with The Herald Arts that preparations for the event are well underway. “The 23rd NAMAs are scheduled for March 31, and we are excited to bring this edition to Harare after last year’s successful event in Bulawayo,” he explained. The official announcement of both the venue and nominees will be made in two weeks, further heightening anticipation for the event.
A standout feature of the upcoming NAMAs is the inclusion of a brand-new dance ensemble. Nyabinde explained that auditions were held to scout fresh talent, resulting in a dynamic group of dancers who were individually selected to create a unique performance. This marks a departure from previous years where a single dance group was hired. The new ensemble aims to bring an exciting and diverse energy to the show.
The event will also introduce a new seating arrangement, allowing for a better viewing experience, while a selection of vendors will provide food and beverages, carefully vetted for quality. “We are introducing something new and exciting this year, with a focus on ‘Afrofuturism,’ which celebrates the future of Zimbabwean art,” said Nyabinde. The theme promises to offer a glimpse of what Zimbabwean art could look like a century from now, through bold and imaginative presentations on the red carpet and throughout the evening.
Tinashe Kitchen from JCMC emphasized that the 23rd NAMAs are set to showcase the depth and diversity of Zimbabwean art. “We are thrilled to present this year’s theme, Afrofuturism, as it explores the future of Zimbabwean art and the vision we have for it 100 years from now,” Kitchen shared. The theme will be woven throughout the event, from the visuals to the performances, creating an immersive experience that reflects the country’s artistic growth.
The awards will consider works produced between December 1, 2023, and November 30, 2024. The ceremony will also spotlight a variety of performers, as artists from different disciplines come forward to entertain guests. In addition to honoring the nominees, the NAMAs will be a celebration of the country’s growing arts scene, with the NACZ’s commitment to decentralizing the awards ensuring that no artist is left behind.
As the countdown to the event continues, the NAMAs are shaping up to be a true celebration of Zimbabwe’s artistic talent. Fans and artists can look forward to a night filled with excitement, new experiences, and a glimpse into the future of Zimbabwean arts. With fresh innovations, a focus on inclusivity, and a bold theme, the 23rd NAMAs are set to elevate the country’s arts scene and leave a lasting legacy for years to come.
