NAMA 24 Nominations Spark Debate Over Winky D Snub and Tight Song of the Year Race
The release of the 24th National Arts Merit Awards nominations by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has ignited intense debate across Zimbabwe’s music industry. Announced last week, the nominations quickly trended as fans dissected every major category and questioned several omissions. While awards season always fuels strong opinions, this year’s list has drawn sharper scrutiny due to the commercial success of several excluded works. Many music followers believe some standout hits and event organisers were overlooked despite dominating the entertainment space in the past year. The discussion has centered on fairness, transparency and the criteria used to select nominees.
One of the most talked about issues is the exclusion of Winky D’s hit song Siya from the Outstanding Song category. The track enjoyed massive airplay and strong digital performance and even won the same accolade at the Radio Zimbabwe awards. For many fans, that previous recognition made its absence from the national list even more surprising. Supporters argue that the song shaped conversations and playlists throughout the year. The snub has raised questions about whether commercial success and public impact weigh heavily enough in the judging process.
The Promoter of the Year category has also sparked controversy. Critics argue that Chipaz Promotions and the organisers of Doek and Slay delivered some of the most attended events last year yet failed to secure nominations. Chipaz hosted high profile shows such as Tete ATete and Cup Clash that drew large crowds and generated strong media coverage. Doek and Slay events were widely regarded as must attend lifestyle experiences, particularly among younger audiences. Their absence has fueled claims that the awards overlooked promoters who drove significant ticket sales and cultural momentum.
The Song of the Year race appears extremely tight based on performance data. Jah Prayzah’s Ruzhowa has reached 6.5 million views in nine months, while Nutty O’s Too Much has gathered 5.1 million views in just six months. Nisha Ts’s Admire Kadembo has accumulated 6.4 million views in 11 months, proving consistent popularity. All three tracks dominated airwaves, weddings, parties and social media feeds throughout the year. Supporters of Jah Prayzah praise his songwriting strength, while others point to Nutty O’s rapid growth and street appeal as a decisive factor. Nisha Ts is viewed as a powerful new generation voice capable of upsetting more established names.
In the Outstanding Social Media Skits category, Comic Elder is widely tipped as the favorite. He competes against Tokoloshi and Thugga Thugga, yet many observers say his digital reach and consistent viral content give him an edge. The People’s Choice Award has also generated conversation, particularly around Ritz being nominated alongside heavyweights Jah Prayzah and Winky D. Some fans question how emerging acts are measured against artists with long standing dominance and massive fan bases. These debates highlight the tension between legacy status and fresh influence in Zimbabwe’s creative sector.
The awards ceremony will take place on February 28 at the Harare International Conference Centre under the theme Fearless Creativity. Organisers reported a record 1,117 submissions covering works produced between December 1, 2024 and November 30 last year. The event promises a vibrant showcase of artistic excellence, blending established icons with rising talent. Gospel artists Minister Ellard, Sharon Cherayi and Vabati VaJehova are set to represent their genre, while dancehall heavyweights Freeman, BaShupi and Junior Spragga are expected to deliver high energy performances. With controversy building and competition tight across categories, the 24th edition of the awards is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in recent years.
