The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) will celebrate a major milestone in February 2027 when the prestigious awards ceremony marks its 25th edition, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) chief executive officer Napoleon Nyanhi has announced.
Speaking at a NAMA press conference held at Scarlet Studios in Harare on Tuesday, Nyanhi said the Silver Jubilee edition would celebrate 25 years of recognising and promoting Zimbabwean creative excellence.
Since its establishment in 2001, with the inaugural awards ceremony held in 2002, NAMA has become a key platform for honouring outstanding achievements across Zimbabwe’s creative industries.
“This is not just a number; it is a milestone. It represents a quarter of a century of resilience, evolution and excellence. This Silver Jubilee edition carries a special significance because it is a celebration of the depth of Zimbabwe’s creative expertise. We are proud to reach this stage and to continue creating a platform where the work of our artists can be recognised, celebrated and placed before the nation,” said Nyanhi.
Production of the 25th edition has been entrusted to Scarlet Studios and Events Evolution, who also worked on the 24th edition.
Nyanhi commended the two organisations for their handling of the previous awards, saying their experience would be important in delivering the upcoming milestone event.
“We have absolute faith in their ability to curate an experience that provides that ‘WOW’ effect every single time. The 24th edition was their first time steering the production, and they delivered a show that matched the prestige of the awards. As we prepare for the Silver Jubilee, we are confident that Scarlet Studios and Events Evolution will build on that experience and present an event that reflects the importance of 25 editions of NAMA,” he said.
Meanwhile, submissions for the 25th edition are now open, with Nyanhi urging artists across various disciplines to ensure their work is formally entered for consideration.
He said artists should not rely solely on the monitoring systems used by the council and other creative institutions, as the adjudication process also depends on works submitted for assessment.
“To the artists, musicians, actors, dancers, writers and visual artists of Zimbabwe, this is your moment. Do not make the assumption that you will always be noticed. While we appreciate the hustle and the work taking place across the country, the reality is that the adjudication process is based on what is submitted and monitored. If you have produced work that moved audiences, created an impact or demonstrated excellence in your discipline, submit it. Let your work speak for itself when it reaches the adjudication table,” Nyanhi said.
He said institutional monitors, radio and television stations and other creative sector organisations would continue providing information that assists the adjudication process.
The NACZ CEO also sought to reassure participants about the independence of the awards, stressing that the council does not determine the winners.
“I want to assure all participants that the integrity of these awards remains sacrosanct. We have an experienced panel of adjudicators who will transparently screen the submitted works and select the winners. NACZ will only be there to guide and observe the process. We do not vote, and we do not select winners. The adjudicators are the custodians of the standard, ensuring that the works submitted are assessed objectively and that those who ultimately receive recognition have earned it through the quality of their creative output,” he said.
The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 30, with artists being encouraged to submit their entries well before the closing date.
Nyanhi also called on the corporate sector to support the 25th edition, saying partnerships remained important in sustaining the awards and strengthening Zimbabwe’s creative economy.
“To our corporate sponsors and partners, we extend our deepest gratitude for your support over the years. Your investment has sustained the NAMA brand and affirmed the creative sector as a vital economic and cultural driver. As we prepare for the historic 25th Edition in February 2027, we invite the wider corporate community to join us on this journey. Partnering with NAMA is a statement of belief in Zimbabwean talent, a powerful marketing opportunity and a chance to leave a lasting legacy,” he said.
He further thanked the media for its continued coverage of the arts and NAMA, describing journalists as an important link between creators and the public.
The 25th NAMA awards ceremony is scheduled for February 2027.