Jah Prayzah and Winky D Set for Showdown at 24th National Arts Merits Awards
Zimbabwe’s music industry is bracing for a major showdown as Jah Prayzah and Winky D go head to head at the 24th edition of the National Arts Merits Awards. The two music heavyweights have been nominated in the same two competitive categories, setting up one of the most anticipated rivalries of the night. Their clash highlights the strength and diversity of Zimbabwean music, particularly in the contemporary and dancehall spaces. Fans are already debating who will walk away victorious when the awards take place on February 28 at the Harare International Conference Centre. The ceremony will run under the theme Fearless Creativity, reflecting bold artistic expression across genres.
The first battleground is the Outstanding Music Video category. Jah Prayzah’s Kuno, directed by Vusa Hlatshwayo also known as Director Blaqs and Davis Hanzu known as Director Dave, will compete against Winky D’s Fake Love, directed by Tawanda Sibotshiwe known as Jusa Dementor. Both videos have received strong public attention for their storytelling and visual quality. Kuno blends cultural symbolism with cinematic production, while Fake Love delivers a socially conscious message wrapped in polished visuals. The category also features Nguva NdeyaMwari by Dorcas Moyo, directed by Hastings Chiromo known as Mr. Hasty.
The rivalry continues in the People’s Choice Award category, where public votes will determine the winner. Jah Prayzah and Winky D are nominated alongside Principal Chigwida known as Prince Chigwida, Leroy T. Zaware known as Comic Elder and Michelle Moyo known as Ritz Mcleish. This category often reflects fan loyalty and grassroots support, making it one of the most unpredictable awards of the evening. Both artistes command massive followings locally and in the diaspora, which could significantly influence the final outcome.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe unveiled nominees from 1 117 submissions covering works produced between December 1, 2024 and November 30, 2025. Jah Prayzah leads the nominations list with four nods, reinforcing his strong presence in the industry. In the Outstanding Male Musician category, he competes against Michael Mahendere known as Minister Michael Mahendere and Emegy Chizanga known as Freeman HKD. His album The Notebook Ndini Mukudzeyi is nominated for Outstanding Album alongside The Woman King Gender iih by Freeman HKD and an album by Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa known as Nisha Ts. His song Ruzhowa also secured a nomination in the Outstanding Song category.
Other categories promise strong competition across the arts sector. Outstanding Female Musician nominees include Sharon Manyonganise Cherayi, Nisha Ts and Ashleigh Angel Moyo known as Shashl. In dance, groups such as Salt n Light Dance Company, Diamond Girls and MnM Dance Factory are nominated for Outstanding Dance Group or Production. Stand up comedy features nominees Frank Chirisa, Mbongeni Ignatious and Nigel Maritinyu known as Nijo the Slick Pastor. Poetry, choreography and breakthrough music categories further showcase the depth of Zimbabwe’s creative talent.
With gospel artistes like Minister Ellard, Sharon Cherayi and Vabati VaJehova representing their genre, and dancehall stars Freeman, BaShupi and Junior Spragga adding energy to the lineup, the ceremony promises a diverse musical showcase. The upcoming NAMA awards will not only celebrate excellence but also spotlight the ongoing evolution of Zimbabwean entertainment. All eyes will be on Jah Prayzah and Winky D as they compete for top honors in what could become one of the defining moments of the 2026 awards season.
