The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) is determined to transform the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) into a prestigious event recognized on an international scale. This aligns with the government’s broader vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
NACZ Executive Director Napoleon Nyanhi emphasized the council’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development through the arts sector. He highlighted the importance of NAMA in improving professionalism and integrity within the industry.
To enhance efficiency and effectiveness, NACZ is developing a new website that will go live on September 1, 2024. The website will feature several new functionalities to benefit the arts sector.
As part of its efforts to adapt to technological advancements, the council has discontinued accepting CDs and DVDs for submissions. Memory sticks or links are now preferred formats.
To ensure a more comprehensive representation of the arts scene, NACZ has added or renamed awards to reflect the most prominent roles in each art genre.
With the upcoming edition of NAMA marking the end of Jacaranda Culture Media Corporation’s tenure as the events manager, NACZ is actively seeking a new partner to oversee the awards ceremony.
Here is the full list of awards to apply for in the next edition of NAMA:
- Visual Arts Awards
Outstanding Male Visual Artist (New)
Outstanding Female Visual Artist (New)
Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist (New)
Outstanding Exhibition
Three new awards have been added to the Visual Arts Category to accommodate the diversity in this genre. It was also considered critical to honor the upcoming and motivate them.
- Theatre Awards
Outstanding Actress
Outstanding Actor
Outstanding Theatrical Production
Outstanding Director
Outstanding Playwright (New)
The role played by the play write in theatrical productions is considered crucial for the success of the play. There are some plays were heavy credit is deserving to the playwriting prowess.
- Literary Arts Awards
Outstanding First Published Work
Outstanding Fiction Book
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book (New)
Outstanding Children’s Book
All writing is considered creative but there was need to distinguish between fiction and non fiction books First published work was also crucial to motivate immerging writers.
- 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 (Renamed)
Outstanding Female Dancer
Outstanding Male Dancer
Outstanding Choreographer
A Dance production may not be an existing group but an ensemble that was put together for a specified piece of work. The outstanding efforts also deserve to be recognized and honored when they deserve.
- Spoken Word Awards
Outstanding Stand Up Comedian (Renamed)
Outstanding Poet
Outstanding Social Media Skits
There was a need to specify on Stand Up comedy, which is a distinct type of art that falls under spoken word.
- Music Awards
Outstanding Female Musician
Outstanding Male Musician
Outstanding Upcoming Musician (Renamed)
Outstanding Music Group (New)
Outstanding Song
Outstanding Album
Outstanding Upcoming is the new name for Newcomer as it considers various other qualities outside popularity of a new project. Music Group award was also added as this was a missing element in the category.
- Special Awards
Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora
Outstanding Arts Journalist/Media house (New)
Arts Service Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Promoter of the Year
Arts Personality Award
People’s Choice Award
Media awards are now under special awards. This award was perceived to be more of an honorary accolade rather than competitive because of the distinction in nature of creativity.
Nyanhi ended by saying, “With that being said, we are geared up and ready to receive applications. Creatives kindly take note of the name of awards you are applying for so that you are not wrongly placed.”