Organisers of the 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) say all technical, logistical and creative processes are firmly in place ahead of the ceremony scheduled for next month at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
Events Evolution, working in partnership with Scarlet Media, confirmed preparations are now at an advanced stage, with rehearsals for creative performances already underway. The two companies were officially endorsed as Nama managers by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe last year.
Speaking to IndependentXtra, Gift Tenga, communications officer for Events Evolution, said the focus had shifted to fine-tuning the show as anticipation builds for the flagship national arts event.
“We are now doing polishing up rounds for the 24th edition of Nama scheduled for February 28 and entertainment begins as early as 5pm. We have pegged tickets at US$10 and VIP at US$30 all available at www.tikiti.co.zw.
“Let’s all brace for a universally followed up and memorable entertainment from our local artists and creatives, including surprises.”
Tenga said he was confident in the delivery capacity of both Events Evolution and Scarlet Media, noting that the two outfits were steadily gaining ground in Zimbabwe’s media and entertainment space. Their most recent major production was the New Year’s Celestial Chorus Event, which combined a formal dinner with performances by a 100-piece orchestra and leading local gospel artists.
“The bar continue to rise and we would like the Nama 24th edition to match other world acclaimed awards ceremonies such as the Oscars, Black Entertainment Television, the American Nama’s and Grammies among others,” he said.
This year’s awards will run under the theme “Fearless Creativity”, a concept Tenga said should be reflected not only on stage but also in how guests present themselves.
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“This year’s theme is Fearless Creativity. We would like all our guests to dress fearlessly in all what they take pride to be identified with, as smart and gorgeous Zimbabweans and Africans.”
He added that the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe would announce nominees in due course, while further entertainment acts would be unveiled as part of the build-up to the ceremony.
“The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe shall announce the nominees in due course and another pack of entertainment is going to emerge,” Tenga said.
For the past six editions, Nama has been managed by Jacaranda Culture Media Corporation, an entity of the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, a tenure widely credited with introducing notable operational improvements to the awards. Tenga said his team respected that legacy but was determined to take the event to a higher level.
He said backed by a strong team spirit and growing industry experience, Events Evolution was aiming to elevate Nama into a resilient, globally-competitive entertainment brand.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Tenga underscored the broader cultural and economic significance of Nama, saying awards of this stature play a critical role in preserving national heritage, recognising artistic excellence and stimulating the creative economy.
By honouring musicians, filmmakers, designers, actors, writers and other creatives, Nama, he said, continues to reinforce the arts as a serious cultural and economic pillar in Zimbabwe.
