The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has announced that the 23rd National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) will take place on March 1, 2025.
The event will be hosted at the Harare Hippodrome for the first time, in line with this year’s theme, #afrofuturism.
The Harare Hippodrome is a modern venue with a seating capacity of 6,400. It was opened in 2021 and has since become one of Zimbabwe’s top locations for major events.
NAMA’s decision to use this venue is a commitment to embracing modern trends and creativity in the arts.
This year’s theme, #afrofuturism, focuses on the future of African arts and culture. The event will feature a mix of talented artists, including Hwniza, Nisha Ts, Oriyano, Shashl, Atenda Chinx, Bagga, Sylent Nqo, Probeatz, and Misheck Mahendere. Choirs such as Joyfull Praise Choir and The Choice Children’s Choir will also perform, along with saxophonist Denilson. Organizers have also promised some surprise acts to entertain the audience.
According to NAMA director Tinashe Kitchen, the performers were carefully selected based on the event’s theme and their success in the past year. He explained that NAMA considers artists who have been outstanding and whose performances fit the event’s vision.
The #afrofuturism theme will not only influence the performances but also the event’s overall look, including the red carpet, stage design, and decorations.
This theme is meant to showcase a futuristic vision of Zimbabwean arts, blending modern and traditional elements.
Besides music, the event will also celebrate other forms of art, such as dance, theatre, film, television, and spoken word poetry.
This wide variety of performances highlights NAMA’s goal of recognizing and promoting all aspects of Zimbabwean creativity.
As the event approaches, excitement is growing among artists and fans. The 23rd edition of NAMA is expected to be a night of celebration, honoring Zimbabwe’s artistic talent while looking forward to the future of the arts.
