NAMA 2026 Submissions
Zimbabwe’s creative sector has shown a strong and enthusiastic response to the upcoming National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) confirming a large number of submissions ahead of the 24th edition.
In a statement released on Thursday, NACZ said a total of 1,117 entries had been received so far from artists across all provinces, highlighting what it described as a “vibrant and engaged arts sector.”
The awards, scheduled for 28 February 2026 at the Harare International Conference Centre, will run under the theme “Fearless Creativity.”
Shift Towards Digital Adoption
NACZ said the 2026 edition has seen a significant rise in artists using digital platforms to submit entries, following the council’s migration to the official NAMA online portal.
The organisation believes this trend reflects growing confidence in technology and indicates that Zimbabwean creatives are increasingly embracing digital tools for professional processes.
Film Leads Submissions
Among the categories, the Film sector currently leads in the number of submissions, ahead of Music and Visual Arts.
Entries have come in from every part of the country, although activity remains strongest in Harare and Bulawayo.
High participation has also been reported from Manicaland, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South.
NAMA 2026 Submissions Requirements
Despite the positive response, NACZ noted that some artists submitted incomplete applications.
While many creatives filled out the online forms, they did not attach the required supporting materials, such as downloadable links to their work.
The council urged all affected applicants to email missing materials to [email protected] as soon as possible, warning that incomplete entries risk disqualification due to technical inconsistencies.
Radio Stations to Guide Music Nominations
NACZ confirmed that several major radio stations, including Power FM, ZiFM, Star FM, Sky Metro, and Radio Zimbabwe, have already sent essential chart data.
This information will help determine nominees in the music categories, a process that blends both public reception and industry assessment.
Final Call for Entries
With the submission window closing soon, NACZ issued a final reminder that the deadline for all NAMA submissions is Monday, 1 December 2025.
The council emphasised that no submissions would be accepted after the cut-off.
As Zimbabwe prepares for one of its flagship cultural events, organisers say the strong national response signals growing confidence in the country’s creative industries, and rising anticipation for what could be one of the most competitive NAMAs editions in recent years.
