The 23rd edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) has commenced with exciting announcements, including the opening of nominations for the People’s Choice Award and a new partnership with Miss Deaf Zimbabwe Trust to promote inclusivity in the arts.
The People’s Choice Award is a unique category that allows the public to vote for their favorite artists across various disciplines, such as music, dance, theatre, literature, spoken word, comedy, visual arts, television, and radio. Nominations are now open and will close on February 5, 2025.
After this, the top five nominees will be announced, leading to the final voting phase. Zimbabweans are casting their nominations online.

NAMA Accolades
In addition to celebrating artistic talent, NAMA has partnered with Miss Deaf Zimbabwe Trust to ensure greater inclusion for people with disabilities. This collaboration is in line with NAMA’s 2025 theme, #Afrofuturism, which emphasizes diversity, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to the arts.
The partnership will include sign language interpretation, performances, and model showcases at various events leading up to the main awards ceremony.
By integrating public participation with efforts to foster inclusion, this year’s NAMA aims to honor artistic excellence while building a more diverse and accessible arts community.
For more details, visit https://gatewaystream.com/nama or follow @namaszim on social media platforms.
ALSO READ: Government Responds to Baby-Swapping Incident at United Bulawayo Hospitals
