CONGRATULATIONS 2026 NAMA NOMINEES!

We are happy for writers, poets, publishers making the 2026 NAMA nominees list in the LITERARY ARTS CATEGORY. Congratulations! 

LITERARY AWARDS CATEGORY

Outstanding Fiction Book

Iluba lika ntunjambila by Polite Sibanda Published by Pre-dawn Publishers

My Affair with Misfortune by Sipho Mpofu Published by Elane Publishing Consultancy

The Toppling by Cynthia Rumbidzai Marangwanda Published by Carnelian Heart Publishing Ltd

Outstanding Non-Fiction Book

Gonan'ombe Retsika Namararamiro eChivanhu by Morden Tavarwisa Published by Miamuty

Kurasika MuAfurika by Rumbidzai Caroline Kahari Published by Essential Books Publishing Company

The Essentials to Faithful Living by Michael H. Nyahwera Published by Beyond Today

Outstanding Children’s Book

Mukanyawashe's Big Adventure by Gerald Shorayi Published by Essential Books Publishing Company

The adventures of Dafi and Rize by Wadzanai Tadhuvana published by Kunda kids Publishers

The old river woman by Shakemore Dirani Published by Essential Books Publishing

Company

Special Mention:

The exciting story of Chipo the bird by Jean Taanashe Botso Published by Essential

Books Publishing Company

Munashe The Clever Boy by Rigel Chabata Published by Essential Books Publishing Company

Outstanding First Published Work

Hanzi Huchi Hwenduri – Kubva Mukatikati by Ushehwedu Kufakurinani Published by Carnelian Heart Publishing Limited

The Killer Pastor by Entourade Usayi Published by Soar Publishers

Zvamuri Ndaimbova Zvandiri Muchava by Josiah Muchada Published by Sahara Publishers

 

HERE ARE NOMINEES IN OTHER CATEGORIES

VISUAL ARTS

Outstanding Female Visual Artist

Amanda Shingirai Mushate - Chimoro neHukoshwa Part 1

Sabina Mutsvati - Ndishonongoreiwo

Shamila Aasha - Healing Alchemy

Outstanding Male Visual Artist

Confidence Zinyeka - Intimate conversation

Pardon Mapondera - Dotipaiwo Mwenje

Tinotenda Chivhinge - Nonsense Hit Song

Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist

Claire Munjoma - Shanduko

Tadiwanashe Joel Mafuta - Dismas

Crystal Vimbainashe Beseni - Maps of everything

Outstanding Exhibition

Ndishonongoreyiwo (Solo Exhibition) by Sabina Mutsvati, Curated by Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa

Perfection is not always reality (Solo Exhibition) by Tinotenda Chivhinge, curated by Doris Kamupira

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

Elroy Takunda Musiiwa as Benjamin/Storyteller One in Zi Animal Farm

Ronald Sigeca as Prophet in These Humans are Sick

Outstanding Actress

Chidochashe Joanne Tenga as Bope in Can We Talk?

Tsungirirai Chenjerai as Snowball/Clover/Storyteller in Zi Animal Farm

Thandolwenkosi Nkiwane as Multi-characters in Ipi Ntombi

Outstanding Theatrical Production

In search of a king by Celebration Church

Can we talk by Almasi Collaborative Arts

Zi Animal farm by Savanna Trust

Outstanding Director

Daniel Dueschle - In search of a king

Leonard Matsa - Can We Talk?

Sandra Braddock - Ipi Ntombi

Outstanding Playwright

Tatenda Mutyambizi - These Humans Are Sick

Batsirai Chigama - Can We Talk?

FILM & TELEVISION AWARDS

Outstanding Actor

Calvin Madula as Stan “SK” Khumalo in High School Diaries

Charles Kamara as Mike in Nhai Maiguru

Leroy Siyafa as James in God Sleeps on Sundays

Outstanding Actress

Wizzy Mangoma as Chirongoma in God Sleeps on Sundays

Charity Dlodlo as Maria in Forget Me Not

Natasha Dlamini as Beauty in Totem

Outstanding Music Video

Kuno by Jah Prayzah Directed by Vusa Hlatshwayo aka Director Blaqs and Davis Hanzu aka

Director Dave

Fake Love by Winky D Directed by Tawanda Sibotshiwe aka Jusa Dementor

Nguva NdeyaMwari by Dorcas Moyo Directed by Hastings Chiromo aka Mr. Hasty

Outstanding Screen Production (Television)

High School Diaries by John Mabuyane

Magweja by Dexter Fundire

Love Across the Ocean by Willy Makumire Lilly

Outstanding Screen Production (Short Film)

A Future Untold by Prosper Kunyetu

God Sleeps on Sundays by Naishe Nyamubaya

Totem by Nicole Panashe Dzenga

Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length)

Loved Out by Tendai Nyeke

Dilemma by Joe Njagu

Mwana Wangu by Nakai Beauty Tsuro

DANCE AWARDS

Outstanding Dance Group/Production

Salt 'n' Light Dance Company in Still Salty

Diamond Girls in Unseen Stars

MnM Dance Factory in African Sunrise

Outstanding Female Dancer

Mandisa Maseko aka Storm zw in The Crown Project

Celine Madziva in Celine’s work

Lisa Tanaka Magwenzi aka Lissa Tanaka in Lissa Tanaka

Outstanding Male Dancer

Prince Mbisa aka Amazing Prince in The Rise of Amazing Prince

Lawrence Sirewo aka Flexxy Smith in Big Brother Mzansi

Shadreck Moyo aka Shaddy Stiffler in The Cowboys

Outstanding Choreographer

Tanaka Machikicho in Diamond Girls

Celine Madzivai in Celine

Terrence Kapesa in Salt & Light Dance Company

SPOKEN WORD AWARDS

Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian

Frank Chirisa

Mbongeni Ignatious

Nigel Maritinyu aka Nijo the Slick Pastor

Outstanding Poet

Obert Dube

Sithandazile Dube

Thaluso Moyo aka Thaluso the Poet

 MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding Female Musician

Sharon Manyonganise Cherayi

Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa aka Nisha Ts

Ashleigh Angel Moyo aka Shashl

Outstanding Male Musician

Michael Mahendere aka Minister Michael Mahendere

Emegy Chizanga aka Freeman HKD

Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah

Outstanding Breakthrough Musician

Nyasha Emmanuel Dedza aka Junior Spragga

Atenda Chingaira aka Atenda Chinx

Shone Qongo aka Shone

Outstanding Music Group

The Redeemed Family

VeRutendo

Joyful Praise

Outstanding Song

Ruzhowa by Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah

Admire Kadembo by Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa aka Nisha Ts

Too Much by Carrington S. Chiwadza aka Nutty O

Outstanding Album

The Notebook by Emegy Chizanga aka Freeman HKD

Ndini Mukudzeyi by Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah

The Woman King – Gender iih by Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa aka Nisha Ts

FASHION AWARDS

Outstanding Male Designer

Rangarirai Kenias - Raengah

Brightman Dlamini - Tocar Narrations

Ishmael Tsakatsa - Zargue’sia

Outstanding Female Fashion Designer

Nomakhosazana Khanyile Ncube - A Tribe Called Zimbabwe

Danayi Madondo - Haus of Stone

Yolanda Ngwenya - Bakhar

Outstanding Contributor to the Fashion Industry

Amanda Mutangadura - AM Model Management

Priscilla Chigariro - Zimbabwe Fashion Week

Joyce Chimanye - ZUVVA

DIGITAL ARTS AWARDS

Outstanding Female Social Media Content Creator

Blessing Nashe - Nashe the Plug

Gracia Bvute - Pot Tradition

Tariro Sarudzai Mharapara - Butterphly

Outstanding Male Social Media Content Creator

Marvellous Ngongoro - African Finder

Kelvin Biriot

Prince Sivalo Mahlangu - Magriza Made me cook

Outstanding Podcast

Zigo Podcast

Pass and Move Podcast

The Ollah 7 Podcast

Outstanding Social Media Skits

Leroy T. Zaware aka Comic Elder

Sean Khoza aka Code Red Studios - Tokoloshi

Ronald Chimombe aka Thugga Thugga

SPECIAL AWARDS

Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora

Bhekinkosi Mabhena aka DJ Nitefreak– Music Producer/DJ - France & Spain

Luckson Chikutu aka Manluckerz – Musician - USA

Chrispen Nyathi- Film Actor - South Africa

Promoter of the Year

Stratosphere Events (Fiesta Fiesta Zimbabwe) Owned by Charles Ayisa

Odyssey Entertainment (Kadoma Music Festival) Owned by Prince Mharadze

Ngoma Nehosho (Jacaranda Music Festival) Owned by Walter Wanyanya

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Principal Chigwida aka Prince Chigwida

Leroy T. Zaware aka Comic Elder

Wallace Chirumiko aka Winky D

Mukudzeyi Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah

Michelle Moyo aka Ritz Mcleish

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A Conversation with Prof W Chigidi

(Recently published in the Munyori Literary Journal)

Professor William Chigidi (above)

In this interview, Prof Chigidi speaks about various important matters regarding the Zimbabwean theatre scene, and his journey as a writer. To read full conversation, CLICK HERE.

Countdown to the 24th NAMAs

In Zimbabwe, anticipation is getting intense in the air as the 24th NAMA (National Arts Merit Awards) draws closer and closer. Come Saturday, February 28, 2026, artists and arts stakeholders will come together at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) to celebrate extraordinary talent from the motherland. 

Our hands are itching to clap for you, especially you in our amazing book world. Remember, it is no race for winners and losers, no, but all are winners who have remained strong, fearless and never gave up creating!

Therefore, go, be fearless, and shine. 

♡♡♡♡

‘STRIDES OF A WOMAN’, AN ANTHOLOGY FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN

By Beaven Tapureta 

Front cover of Strides of a Woman

Some time not far in the past – a respected founding member of Zimbabwe Women Writers, Mrs Tawona Mtshiya, loses her husband to whom she had been married for decades. She’s devastated and yet strengthened by the comforting presence of close writing friends.

Among the writers who come to see Mrs Mtshiya are Virginia Phiri and Eresina Hwede. During the visit, Mrs Mtshiya suddenly says, “Why not capture moments such as these in an anthology of short stories?”

Phiri and Hwede agree to give this idea a thought, for they discern in Mrs Mtshiya’s words “some yearning in her request and a sense of loneliness”.  On their way, they continue to discuss the short story anthology idea. And in their talk, a word keeps echoing – TRANSITION.

This is the inspiration that gave birth to the short story anthology Strides of a Woman [ZWW, 2025]. 

In an interview days after the official launch of the book in December last year in Harare, compiler and editor Eresina Hwede revealed that they discovered their fellow writer, Mrs Mtshiya, now sadly widowed, was “transitioning and there are so many women who go through these phases at different levels”.

Given this background, one would expect Strides of a Woman to be entirely a book about death, yet it is not. 

Hwede explained, “It is about moving from one stage to another in life. Mrs Mtshiya had been married for decades and now she was facing life alone. This is death, very honest and true, something that cannot be reversed. Her (Mrs Mtshiya’s) experience is different from divorce, single parenting, weddings, puberty, you name it. So women wrote about all this and most of the stories are personal.”

This thoughtful bouquet of 30 short stories written in Shona and English languages by 24 female authors is a huge contribution to the shifting understanding of human rights, motherhood, growing up, etc. Women have made it and continue to make it in different fields once deemed ‘for males only’. The book celebrates women embracing this change, psychologically or as deeply felt in Strides of a Woman; they have captured the changes emotionally. 

“Emotionally women are more in touch with their feelings than men, so a little shift in their lives, they feel it and have a way of expressing it. So the kind of stories we got on this were pretty wide… Women are women and they will always be women, strong, articulate and very much emotionally focused. No apologies on this one,” said Hwede.

But how have men reacted to this shift? Surely, feedback from male readers about books such as Strides of a Woman and others by women writers is crucial yet it is rare.

“So far I have not heard from any male reader who has read some of the stories in the book. From the collection compared to other stories I have edited before, there has been some shift in how women understand their rights and how the law works in their favour. It is clear in the way some of the characters negotiated their way around gender issues,” Hwede said.

This poverty of a male readership for literature written by women has been a cause for concern for other women writers, including the internationally recognized Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie who, in a recent report by Winston Manrique Sabogal, is said to have expressed it in these words:  “If more men read books about women’s lives, literature could improve communication between men and women. Women read books written by men, and women and men read books written by men. That’s why I think there’s often a kind of misunderstanding.”

The ‘misunderstanding’ between men and women cuts deep into all sections of human relations, be it marriage, friendship, business, even the simplest relations we take for granted such as the father-son or mother-daughter bonds.

Delving into Strides of a Woman is like taking a tour of a different world in which you drift far from the common radicalism that’s usually expected in feministic books by women writers. It is about love in its many forms and/or lack of it, simple.

Girls going through puberty, playfully bathing nude in a river in the rural area was once one of the safe games in the countryside, but not nowadays when insatiable lust has taken over humanity, when drugs and sex have taken over the youths who mistake these pleasures and call it love.  

Stories like ‘Summer of Changes’ by Eresina Hwede and ‘Zvinopera Wani’ by Chengetai Nyagumbo capture the pride of girls’ bodily changes, an undisturbed process.  

Yet in ‘Pieces of Me’ by Nyarai Gunda a young girl transits between two settings due to circumstances at different stages in her life and at last, she migrates from a rural home back to the city where her big dreams are ground to dust in the mill of drugged fantasies and illusions. The reader is relieved from the ‘victim concept’ attached to girlhood when he/she reads encouraging stories like ‘Conqueror’ by Aletta Roven C Lunga or another in which a girl saves a boy from being offered as blood sacrifice by a popular Pastor who does that to get more followers. 

The stories skilfully deal with a variety of issues. ‘Memories in A Photo Album’ by Shumirai Nhanhanga and ‘A Letter from a Single Mother’ by Jane Sibusiso Ngiwane, in their traditional forms inspire and are some of the short stories the reader will enjoy.

The truth that women are also human beings who are susceptible to feelings of anger and bitterness but are also capable of self-control, is well portrayed in stories like ‘I am Happy’ by Tsitsi Nomsa Ngwenya and ‘Grave Mistake’ by Virginia Phiri. 

The wife in Ngwenya’s story, instead of reacting angrily after hubby brings home a new wife, she goes about her usual daily chores, humming the refrain ‘I am happy’.  This calm show of a positive attitude marks her bravery, puts the new wife and the hubby in an uneasiness that sees the new wife leaving the next morning. 

However, this exemplary self-control contrasts with what happens in ‘Grave Mistake’, a gripping short-short story. Long-suppressed marital depression violently bursts and lands the wife in prison. She's guilty as well as innocent but her innocence seems legally ignored.

Married men are yet to accept the gift of leadership and creative potential of their wives. There's a story that's so realistic that the reader is reminded again of an empowered women who are being denied the love and attention they deserve.

Daniel in ‘The Deep End’ by Tamara Madondo decides to personally 'run the show' of a successful business project he initiated with his wife, relegating her to 'staying at home'. She silently refuses the relegation and rediscovers her gift in music. Here the writer leaves the reader wondering if Daniel continues to pull his wife down.

Strides of a Woman is an anthology that can change the way men think about women in personal or business lives. 

According to Hwede, the anthology is going online in a bid to flow with the digital current.

Below are images from "Strides of a Woman" book launch:

Veteran writer Virginia Phiri (left) handing over a copy to the Guest of Honour Isabella Matambanadzo

Two of the contributors, Shumirai Nhanhanga (left) and Chipo Chimoto posing with copies of the book

One of the young guests reading from Strides of a Woman

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