The full list of 2026 NAMA award winners

The 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards lit up Harare on Saturday, 28 February, as Zimbabwe's biggest arts ceremony returned in style at the Harare International Conference Centre.

The awards, themed Fearless Creativity, marked the first of three editions under the management of Scarlet Studios and Events Evolution. The night brought together the who's who of Zimbabwean arts, blending celebration, nostalgia and fresh energy.

The ceremony was hosted by KVG and Pathisani, with support from Yahya Goodvibes and Merciless. Performances stood out for their range and impact, mixing current chart-toppers with respected veterans.

A high-energy Zimbabwean hip hop medley featured Sane Wav, Runna Rulez, Young Gemini, Bling4 and Ba Shupi. The mood then softened during an urban grooves interlude by Plaxedes Wenyika, Alexio Kawara and Dino Mudondo. Dancehall energy followed, driven by Jnr Spragga, Shone and Madedido.

Visual arts took a proud spotlight. Sabina Mutsvati won Outstanding Female Visual Artist for Ndishongoreiwo. Pardon Mapondera claimed Outstanding Male Visual Artist for Dotipaiwo Mwenje.

Music awards delivered record moments. The AI-generated video for Winky D's Fake Love, created by Jusa Dementor, won Outstanding Video. Winky D also secured a record-breaking 10th People's Choice Award. Jah Prayzah extended his dominance with a fifth Outstanding Album Award and was named Outstanding Male Musician.

Rising talent was also recognised. Atenda Chinx won Outstanding Breakthrough Artist. Ollah 7 took Outstanding Podcast in its debut category. Tokoloshi won Outstanding Social Media Skits, edging Comic Elder.

One of the night's most emotional moments came when Nisha Ts received her first-ever NAMA award while standing next to her grandmother. The hall rose in applause.

The ceremony also honoured legacy. Film icon Stephen Chigorimbo received the Lifetime Achievement Award. His career spans acclaimed productions such as Cry Freedom, Mandela, King Solomon's Mines, Studio 263, Estate Blues and Neria.

As the curtains closed, the message of the night was clear. Zimbabwean creativity remains bold, diverse and fearless.


Here is the full list of award winners:

VISUAL ARTS 

Outstanding Female Visual Artist 
Sabina Mutsvati - Ndishonongoreyiwo

Outstanding Male Visual Artist 
Pardon Mapondera - Dotipaiwo Mwenje

Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist 
Tadiwanashe Joel Mafuta - Dismas

Outstanding Exhibition 
Cheuka Harare Art Fair curated by Laura Ganda and Merilyn Mushakwe

THEATRE AWARDS 

Outstanding Actor 
Cadrick Msongelwa as Squealer/Storyteller/Mr Jones in Zi Animal Farm

Outstanding Actress
Thandolwenkosi Nkiwane as Multi-Characters in Ipi Ntombi

Outstanding Theatrical Production 
In Search Of A King by Celebration Church

Outstanding Director 
Leonard Matsa - Can We Talk?

Outstanding Playwright 
Tatenda Mutyambizi - These Humans Are Sick 

LITERARY AWARDS

Outstanding Fiction Book
My Affair with Misfortune by Sipho Mpofu, published by Elane Publishing Consultancy

Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
Gonan'ombe Retsika Nemarairo eChivanhu by Morden Tavarwisa, published by Miamuty

Outstanding Children's Book
Mukanyawashe's Big Adventure by Gerald Shorayi, published by Essential Books Publishing Company 

Outstanding First Published Work
The Killer Pastor by Entourade Usayi, published by Soar Publishers

FILM & TELEVISION AWARDS 

Outstanding Actor
Leroy Siyafa as James in God Sleeps on Sundays 

Outstanding Actress 
Charity Dlodlo as Maria in Forget Me Not

Outstanding Music Video
"Fake Love" by Winky D, directed by Jusa Dementor

Outstanding Screen Production (TV)
Magweja by Dexter Fundire

Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)
God Sleeps on Sundays by Naishe Nyambuya

Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length)
Dilemma by Joe Njagu

DANCE AWARDS 

Outstanding Dance Group/Production 
Diamond Girls in Unseen Stars

Outstanding Female Dancer
Celine Madziva in Diamond Girls

SPOKEN WORD AWARDS

Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian 
Nigel Tha Slick Pastor

Outstanding Poet
Sithandazile Dube

MUSIC AWARDS 

Outstanding Female Musician 
Nisha Ts

Outstanding Male Musician 
Jah Prayzah 

Outstanding Breakthrough Musician 
Atenda Chinx

Outstanding Music Group
Joyful Praise

Outstanding Song
"Too Much" by Nutty O

Outstanding Album 
Ndini Mukudzeyi by Jah Prayzah 

FASHION AWARDS 

Outstanding Male Designer
Ishmael Tsakatsa - Zargue'sia

Outstanding Female Designer
Danayi Madondo - Haus Of Stone

Outstanding Contributor To The Fashion Industry
Joyce Chimanye

DIGITAL ARTS AWARDS

Outstanding Female Social Media Content Creator 
Pot Tradition 

Outstanding Male Social Media Content Creator 
The African Finder

Outstanding Podcast 
The Ollah 7 Podcast

Outstanding Social Media Skits
Tokoloshi

SPECIAL AWARDS 

Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora 
Nitefreak 

Outstanding Arts Journalist
Plot Mhako

Promoter of the Year
Odyssey Entertainment 

Arts Personality Of The Year
Nkululeko Dube

Arts Service Award
Delta Beverages - Chibuku

Lifetime Achievement Award
Stephen Chigorimbo

People's Choice Award
Winky D