Like any awards ceremonies across the globe, the controversies and conspiracy theories build up to the hype or mistrust of such events and Zimbabwe’s 21st edition of the National Arts Merit Awards are not spared either.

The biggest sector (Music) within the awards categories carried many of the highlights, from missing favourites to first time surprises. Film & TV also had many shocking moments.

The LIVE event, which is produced by Jacaranda Culture & Media Corporation, had many technical features that needed more polishing & could have been well coordinated with time, resources, and dedication from the artists. The acts on the night did put their best play. On the red carpet, guests did come ready to showcase their unique cloth-styles.

We will have a more detailed review soon.

Here is the full list of award winners: 

DANCE AWARDS

Outstanding Female Dancer

Ndomupeishe Chipendo in Teleunga 

Outstanding Male Dancer

Terrence Kapesa in A kid from Bulawayo 

Outstanding Dance Group

Elysium Magna Dance Theatre in The Birth of Christ 

Outstanding Dance Choreographer

Sean Mambwere in Silently Complicated 

VISUAL ARTS AWARDS

Outstanding 3 Dimensional Work

Celebrating Together – Taurai Chinofura 

Outstanding Mixed Media

Mysterical Revealer – Terrence Musekiwa 

Outstanding Exhibition

A Book that Cannot be Read by Allison Baker curated by Fadzai Muchemwa

SPOKEN WORD AWARDS

Outstanding Poet

Obert Dube 

Outstanding Comedian 

King Kandoro 

Outstanding Social Media Skits

Theophilus Chigumira/Mai Kirifodhi 

MEDIA AWARDS

Outstanding Journalist – Print

Nyadzombe Nyampenza – The Standard 

Outstanding Journalist Radio

Owen Madondo – Star FM 

Outstanding Journalist – Television 

Colette Musanyera – ZBC 

Outstanding Online Media

Nash TV 

THEATRE AWARDS

Outstanding Theatre Actor 

Shaun Mundawarara as Cullingwall in The Play that goes Wrong 

Outstanding Theatre Actress

Min’enhle Mguni as Renee Stokes in Heartbreak Mafia 

Outstanding Theatrical Production 

Bayethe Nkosi by Umkhathi Theatre 

Outstanding Director 

Sue Bolt in The Play that goes Wrong 

LITERARY AWARDS

Outstanding First Creative Published Work

The Madman on First Street and Other Stories by David Chasumba 

Outstanding Children’s Book

Sloba and the Chameleon by Costa Chayambuka 

Outstanding Fiction Book

The Quality of Mercy by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu 

Outstanding Poetry Book

Starfish Blossoms by Samantha R. Vazhure 

FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS

Outstanding Actor 

Searchmore Takavada as Husband in 3 days in March 

Outstanding Actress

Sylvia Mavezera as Wife in 3 days in March 

Outstanding Music Video

Fight For Me – Mann Friday 

Outstanding Screen Production (Television)

Intab’enkulu directed by Kuda Brian Bwititi 

Outstanding Screen Production (Short Length Film)

3 Days in March directed by Kuda Brian Bwititi 

Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length Film)

Ngoda directed by Joe Njagu and Eddie Sandifolo

MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding Newcomer 

Leo Magozz

Outstanding Female Musician 

Dorcas Moyo

Outstanding Male Musician 

Freeman HKD

Oustanding Song

Fire Emoji – Leo Magozz ft Bling4 and Brian Jeck

Outstanding Album

David and Goliath – Freeman 

SPECIAL AWARDS

Promoter Of The Year

X-Mo Squad

Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora 

Tafara Nyatsanza (USA)

Arts Service Award

Davison Maruziva

Arts Personality of the Year

Dominic Benhura

Lifetime Achievement Award

Barbara Makhalisa Nkala

People’s Choice Award

Theophilus Chigumira/Mai Kirifodhi