The 23rd National Arts Merit Awards: A Platform for Artists to Shine

In a bold move aimed at enhancing inclusivity and creativity, the organisers of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) have invited a wide array of artists to showcase their talents at the upcoming 23rd edition of the prestigious event. This invitation underscores the organisers’ commitment to giving deserving performers from all artistic disciplines an opportunity to shine on the NAMA stage, addressing past concerns of monotony that had limited the diversity of performances in previous years.

Scheduled for March 1, 2025, the 23rd NAMAs will be held at a venue yet to be announced, thanks to the collaboration between the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC), the event managers. The works produced between December 1, 2023, and November 30, 2024, will be eligible for consideration for the coveted awards.

Tinashe Kitchen from JCMC expressed optimism about the preparations for the event. “Preparations are at an advanced stage; we are excited for the 23rd edition of the event and looking forward to celebrating all forms of Zimbabwean art,” Kitchen said in an interview.

A Fresh Approach to Artist Selection

The NAMA organisers have adopted a new selection process for performing artists, ensuring that the stage will be open to a broad range of talent. Kitchen explained that artists will be invited based on the event’s theme, their performances in previous editions, and the overall quality of their work. “We approach a large number of artists from all parts of the country. This includes all genres, as NAMA is not just a musical concert; it is a celebration of all forms of art and artists who have been exceptional in their fields,” he emphasised.

The theme for this year’s event, “Afrofuturism,” aims to explore the future of Zimbabwe’s arts scene. Kitchen revealed that the theme will not only influence the awards’ red carpet and overall presentation but will also serve as a window into how the local arts sector may evolve over the next century.

Changes to the NAMA Structure

In an effort to streamline the process, the organisers have introduced several changes to improve efficiency and fairness in the adjudication process. One significant change is the decentralisation of the event, ensuring that artists from all regions of Zimbabwe are included, and no talent is left behind. Additionally, seven new awards have been introduced, and some existing categories have been renamed to better reflect the evolving arts landscape.

A notable addition is the “Outstanding Music Group” category, which had been missing in the past. Media awards, which were previously competitive, have now been moved to the special awards category, where they will be treated as honorary recognitions.

NACZ’s Napoleon Nyanhi, who acknowledged the invaluable contribution of JCMC as event managers, shared his excitement for the revamped awards. He also mentioned that the 23rd edition would mark JCMC’s final year managing the event, as a new event manager is expected to take over in the future.

A Platform for All Artists

The 23rd NAMAs aim to move beyond a celebration of individual winners and focus on the collective contributions of artists to Zimbabwe’s cultural fabric. This new approach aims to highlight performers from all disciplines, ensuring that the event maintains its glamour and serves as an inclusive platform for creative expression.

As the countdown to the event begins, the excitement around the 23rd NAMAs is palpable. With the event’s new approach, including a broad range of performances, a compelling theme, and transparent selection processes, the 2025 edition promises to be a milestone in the celebration of Zimbabwean arts.