Plaxedes Wenyika Returns to the NAMA Stage After a Decade

After over ten years away, Plaxedes Wenyika is set to make her long-awaited return to the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA). Wenyika, a prominent Urban Groove artist, was last linked to NAMA during its 12th edition, when she was nominated for Outstanding Female Musician alongside Hope Masike and Cindy Munyavi, with Masike taking the award.

Like fellow Urban Groove legends Alexio Kawara, BaShupi, and Dino Mudondo, Wenyika has been absent from the NAMA stage for years. Her return promises to revive memories of the early days of Zimbabwe’s urban music scene.

In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Wenyika expressed excitement about returning to the NAMA stage. She said, “This is a platform that has been around for years and each year they have new blood, new talent in different categories so it will be an interesting task for me. As the day is coming close, all I can say is I will be performing all my hit songs. It has been years; I don’t even know the last time I was involved in anything to do with NAMA.”

The 24th edition of NAMA, running under the theme “Fearless Creativity,” is scheduled for February 28 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). This year, the event will feature a mix of seasoned performers and emerging talent across genres from gospel to zimdancehall.

Gospel performers will include Ministers Ellard, Sharon Cherayi, Vabati VaJehova, Sku, Snowy Natasha Mlalazi, Dorcus Moyo, Cleo Arie, and Lil Eliana. Paddington Chiwashira will debut his hit “Manhanga Matete,” while Baba Harare and Sekuru Gudo will represent the jiti genre. The Chillspot family, Freeman HKD, and Junior Spragga will headline the dancehall segment. RnB and hip-hop will feature Bling 4, Runner Rulez, Melyssa, Sane Wav, Young Gemini, Fab G, and Shone.

NACZ spokesperson and marketing manager Agga Nyabinde explained the selection process: “Performers are selected based on the theme for that particular NAMA edition. Event managers create a concept of how they would like to interpret the theme through live performances, then select artists that fit the concept. Adjudication for awards is now at an advanced stage. The nominees will be announced soon. The people’s choice award is the only award that people vote for, and the voting platforms will be announced once the nominees are out.”

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe received over 1,117 submissions for this edition, reflecting strong interest from artists nationwide. With Wenyika’s return and a lineup blending legendary acts with fresh talent, this NAMA edition promises to celebrate Zimbabwe’s diverse and dynamic creative scene.