Open call: National Arts Merit Awards 2025 in Zimbabwe

The NAMAs are a set of annual awards granted by the NACZ board in recognition of outstanding achievements in arts and culture.

Submissions are open and those who wish to apply can do so online or physically by visiting the NACZ offices. Consideration will be given to works of art produced between 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024. The deadline for submissions is 30 November 2024. Entry is open to Zimbabwean nationals or those with resident status only.

CDs & DVDs are no longer acceptable because of the rapid change in technology. Memory sticks or links are more favourable.

“The board and management of the NACZ are not responsible for choosing who is to be awarded,” NACZ director Napoleon Nyanhi said. “An independent panel of adjudicators is selected from the sector and the adjudicators’ decision is final. Individual and institutional monitors are also selected and this year we have widened the pool to include radio and television stations which will also work closely with NACZ as monitors.”

Below are the categories:

Music Awards

• Outstanding Female Musician
• Outstanding Male Musician
• Outstanding Upcoming Musician
• Outstanding Music Group
• Outstanding Song
• Outstanding Album

Visual Arts Awards

• Outstanding Male Visual Artist
• Outstanding Female Visual Artist
• Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist
• Outstanding Exhibition

Theatre Awards

• Outstanding Actress
• Outstanding Actor
• Outstanding Theatrical Production
• Outstanding Director
• Outstanding Playwright

Literary Arts Awards

• Outstanding First Published Work
• Outstanding Fiction Book
• Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
• Outstanding Children’s Book

Film & Television Awards

• Outstanding Actor
• Outstanding Actress
• Outstanding Music Video
• Outstanding Screen Production (Television)
• Outstanding Screen Production (Full length film)
• Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)

Dance Awards

• Outstanding Dance Group/Production
• Outstanding Female Dancer
• Outstanding Male Dancer
• Outstanding Choreographer

Spoken Word Awards

• Outstanding Stand Up Comedian
• Outstanding Poet
• Outstanding Social Media Skits

Special Awards

• Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora
• Outstanding Arts Journalist/Media house
• Arts Service Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Promoter of the Year
• Arts Personality Award
• People’s Choice Award

For assistance, visit NACZ offices in all provinces or send an email to namasubmissions@gmail.com.