Fearless Creativity: Why the 2026 NAMA Winners are More Than Just Trophy Holders
Event: National Arts Merit Awards | Theme: Fearless | Producers: Scarlet Media & Events Evolution
Written & Curated from the Desk of: Oudney Patsika
The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) roared back to life in spectacular fashion, delivering a night so polished, so vibrant, and so unapologetically Zimbabwean that even the harshest critics were left with little room to complain. This was not just another awards ceremony — it was a statement.
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At the center of this revival were Scarlet Media and Events Evolution, the creative forces behind a production many are calling the best NAMA in years. From the moment the lights came on, it was clear: the lost glory had returned—loud, bright, and unapologetic.
A Masterclass in Production
The programme moved with seamless efficiency. No chaos, no awkward silences, and no confused presenters fumbling scripts. Every transition landed smoothly, and every cue was hit on time.
It felt rehearsed, intentional, and respectful of both the artists and the broadcast audience.
The stage design signified Fearless. Lighting was crisp and dramatic, enhancing every beat drop.
Camera angles were clearly planned with television and livestream audiences in mind, proving the producers understood a key truth: NAMA is no longer just a hall event; it is a national broadcast product delivering international-level standards.
Storytelling Through Music
Scarlet Media ditched tired formulas for a thrilling musical journey reflecting Zimbabwe’s diversity.
- Gospel collided beautifully with urban grooves.
- Hip-hop shared space with Zimdancehall.
- Afro-pop found harmony with old-school Jiti influences.
Performances were blended into powerful collaborative segments that kept the audience glued to their screens.
The Red Carpet Revamped
This is where the organizers truly flexed. Carefully crafted and heavily marketed, the red carpet was no longer a confused free-for-all.
Everyone knew the theme and expectations. Designers showed out, artists exuded confidence, and cameras feasted on elegance and culture. It became a show of its own—clean, organized, and dripping with star power.
2026 NAMA Winners
Outstanding Male Musician
Mukudzeyi Mukombe (Jah Prayzah)
Outstanding Female Musician
Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa (Nisha Ts)
Outstanding Album
"Ndini Mukudzeyi" — Jah Prayzah
Outstanding Song
"Too Much" — Nutty O
People’s Choice Award
Winky D (Wallace Chirumiko)
Outstanding Music Video
"Fake Love" — Winky D (Dir. Jusa Dementor)
Outstanding Actor
Leroy Siyafa — God Sleeps on Sundays
Outstanding Actress
Charity Dlodlo — Forget Me Not
Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length)
"Dilemma" — Joe Njagu
Outstanding Male Visual Artist
Pardon Mapondera
Outstanding Female Visual Artist
Sabina Mutsvati
Outstanding Exhibition
CHEUKA Harare Art Fair
Outstanding Male Designer
Ishmael Tsakatsa (Zargue’sia)
Outstanding Podcast
The Ollah 7 Podcast
Outstanding Social Media Skits
Sean Khoza (Code Red Studios)
A Comeback Story
In one night, NAMA reminded Zimbabwe why it matters and why it exists. Backstage buzz spoke of relief that the awards were finally being taken seriously, restoring faith among creatives.
This was not just an awards ceremony. It was a statement.
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