Viral Power vs. Musical Royalty: Ritz Mcleish Defends NAMA 24 Nomination
Harare, Zimbabwe — The race for the 24th National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) People’s Choice Award has erupted into one of the most polarizing cultural showdowns in recent Zimbabwean history. At the epicenter of this storm is TikTok sensation and digital creator Ritz Mcleish (Michelle Moyo). As the only woman in a high-stakes five-horse race, she finds herself in a direct head-to-head with the industry’s most formidable "Goliaths"—Winky D and Jah Prayzah. What began as a celebration of her rising influence has quickly devolved into a vicious online debate over whether social media popularity should carry the same weight as musical legacy.
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| NAMA 24 Scandal: Ritz Mcleish Defends Nomination Amidst Vicious Backlash |
While critics have labeled her presence on the list as a "snub" to more traditional artists, Ritz has remained defiant, positioning herself as the voice of a new, tech-savvy generation. Facing off against Comic Elder and Prince Chigwida alongside the music giants, she represents a significant shift in the NAMA adjudication philosophy, which increasingly favors digital engagement and viral reach. For many, this isn't just about an award; it is a litmus test for the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and their ability to bridge the gap between "Street Cred" and "Digital Influence" in the year 2026.
THE LONE FEMALE: Ritz Mcleish stands as the sole woman in the People’s Choice category, challenging a male-dominated status quo for the nation's highest artistic honor.
Online War Zone
Since the announcement, Zimbabwean social media timelines have turned into battlegrounds. Critics have labeled Ritz's skits as "cheap," "attention-seeking," and even indicative of "moral decay."
Purists argue that the prestigious People’s Choice category should be reserved for stadium-filling artists with long legacies, not "fleeting" social media creators.
Ritz Refuses to Back Down
Ritz confessed she was initially shocked. “I didn’t believe it at all. Then I realised – people are watching, people are enjoying my content, and people are voting.”
She firmly rejected the "moral decay" label. “I’m telling the African story in a different and unique way. That’s why I’m among the People’s Choice nominees – because the people relate to it.”
“I’m earning a living through this, and I’m proud. Most of my skits are my ideas. I am the brain behind them.”
David vs. Goliaths
Ritz is competing against the absolute titans of the Zimbabwean industry:
- Jah Prayzah
- Winky D
- Comic Elder
- Prince Chigwida
“I’m not intimidated at all,” she said. “Being among the big boys of the industry actually makes me feel special.”
Theme: Fearless
Her nomination mirrors the NAMA 24 theme: Fearless. Supporters argue that the People’s Choice award is about relevance and connection, not just legacy.
“At one point people were laughing at my situation,” Ritz said, recalling her struggles as a single mother. “But today here I am – nominated among the top artists in Zimbabwe.”
Win or lose, Ritz Mcleish has already rewritten the script, turning a quiet category into the most talked-about battle of the year.
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