NAMA 2026 Winners
Zimbabwe’s leading artists were recognised at the 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), with winners announced at a ceremony held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
The annual awards, regarded as the country’s most prestigious arts honours, celebrate excellence across music, film, theatre, dance, literature and visual arts.
This year’s event brought together established names and emerging talent, reflecting the depth and diversity of Zimbabwe’s creative industries.
Organisers said the awards continue to play a key role in promoting artistic innovation and professional standards in the sector.
From breakthrough performers to seasoned cultural figures, the NAMA 2026 winners list highlights those who stood out over the past year.
Below is the full list of winners across all categories announced on the night.
NAMA 2026 Winners List
VISUAL ARTS
Outstanding Female Visual Artist
Sabina Mutsvati – Ndishonongoreyiwo
Outstanding Male Visual Artist
Pardon Mapondera – Dotipaiwo Mwenje
Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist
Tadiwanashe Joel Mafuta – Dismas
Outstanding Exhibition
Cheuka Harare Art Fair curated by Laura Ganda and Merilyn Mushakwe
THEATRE AWARDS
Outstanding Actor
Cadrick Msongelwa as Squealer/Storyteller/Mr Jones in Zi Animal Farm
Outstanding Actress
Thandolwenkosi Nkiwane as Multi-Characters in Ipi Ntombi
Outstanding Theatrical Production
In Search Of A King by Celebration Church
Outstanding Director
Leonard Matsa – Can We Talk?
Outstanding Playwright
Tatenda Mutyambizi – These Humans Are Sick
LITERARY AWARDS
Outstanding Fiction Book
My Affair with Misfortune by Sipho Mpofu, published by Elane Publishing Consultancy
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book
Gonan’ombe Retsika Nemarairo eChivanhu by Morden Tavarwisa, published by Miamuty
Outstanding Children’s Book
Mukanyawashe’s Big Adventure by Gerald Shorayi, published by Essential Books Publishing Company
Outstanding First Published Work
The Killer Pastor by Entourade Usayi, published by Soar Publishers
FILM & TELEVISION AWARDS
Outstanding Actor
Leroy Siyafa as James in God Sleeps on Sundays
Outstanding Actress
Charity Dlodlo as Maria in Forget Me Not
Outstanding Music Video
“Fake Love” by Winky D, directed by Jusa Dementor
Outstanding Screen Production (TV)
Magweja by Dexter Fundire
Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)
God Sleeps on Sundays by Naishe Nyambuya
Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length)
Dilemma by Joe Njagu
DANCE AWARDS
Outstanding Dance Group/Production
Diamond Girls in Unseen Stars
Outstanding Female Dancer
Celine Madziva in Celine’s Work
Outstanding Male Dancer
Prince Mbisa in The Rise of Amazing Prince
Outstanding Choreographer
Tanaka Machikicho in Diamond Girls
SPOKEN WORD AWARDS
Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian
Nigel Tha Slick Pastor
Outstanding Poet
Sithandazile Dube
MUSIC AWARDS
Outstanding Female Musician
Nisha Ts
Outstanding Male Musician
Jah Prayzah
Outstanding Breakthrough Musician
Atenda Chinx
Outstanding Music Group
Joyful Praise
Outstanding Song
“Too Much” by Nutty O
Outstanding Album
Ndini Mukudzeyi by Jah Prayzah
FASHION AWARDS
Outstanding Male Designer
Ishmael Tsakatsa – Zargue’sia
Outstanding Female Designer
Danayi Madondo – Haus Of Stone
Outstanding Contributor To The Fashion Industry
Joyce Chimanye
DIGITAL ARTS AWARDS
Outstanding Female Social Media Content Creator
Pot Tradition
Outstanding Male Social Media Content Creator
The African Finder
Outstanding Podcast
The Ollah 7 Podcast
Outstanding Social Media Skits
Tokoloshi
SPECIAL AWARDS
Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora
Nitefreak
Outstanding Arts Journalist
Plot Mhako
Promoter of the Year
Odyssey Entertainment
Arts Personality Of The Year
Nkululeko Dube
Arts Service Award
Delta Beverages – Chibuku
Lifetime Achievement Award
Stephen Chigorimbo
People’s Choice Award
Winky D
