The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) hosted the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) Sponsors Dinner on November 29, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the awards event structure, while celebrating Zimbabwe’s arts and culture.

In his keynote address, NACZ Executive Director Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi highlighted the evolution of the NAMA Awards as Zimbabwe’s premier recognition platform for artistic excellence. “It is our highest priority to make the NAMA Awards as prestigious as possible, so our creatives can boast about it on the global arena,” said Mr. Nyanhi.

The NACZ acknowledged the efforts of Jacaranda Culture Media Corporation (JCMC), the event management company responsible for NAMA production over the past few years. As JCMC’s tenure concludes, NACZ is in the process of appointing new event managers to elevate the awards into a yearly world class showcase. In September this year, NACZ the National Arts Council of South Africa (NACSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant partnership aimed at enhancing the arts and culture sectors in both nations.

The NACZ has recently revamped its adjudication process, refining terms of reference and reviewing nomination categories to enhance transparency and fairness. Mr. Nyanhi noted, “Complaints are inevitable in any race for recognition, but our processes and integrity should never be found wanting.“

As preparations for the 2025 NAMA edition intensify, the submission deadline for entries closes today, November 30, 2024, and the adjudication begins. The awards night will be on March 1, 2025, with Afrofuturism as the driving theme.

Mr. Nyanhi also applauded the government’s ongoing commitment to the cultural and creative sectors, as outlined in the 2025 National Budget presented this week. Specific mention of increased support for the film industry was a highlight, signaling promising developments for local filmmakers.

In an ambitious move to position Zimbabwe as a global hub for filmmaking and creating a vibrant creative sector, the 2025 National Budget includes tax incentives designed to promote local film production. The establishment of two state-of-the-art public film studios in Harare and Bulawayo, supported under the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation, underscores the government’s commitment to creating world-class infrastructure for Zimbabwean filmmakers and storytellers. These measures come alongside the implementation of the National Film Strategy by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), which seeks to strengthen the country’s film ecosystem, nurture talent, and elevate Zimbabwean narratives on the global stage.

The government has allocated ZiG1.02 billion to youth-led projects, with significant funding directed toward supporting creative ventures. These investments aim to provide young creatives with financial resources, skills training, and mentorship, fostering innovation and sustainable livelihoods in the arts sector. The Zimbabwe National Film Strategy, is taking significant strides in leveraging the creative economy as a driver of cultural pride, economic growth, and global recognition.

The NACZ reiterated its commitment to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society.

The evening concluded with a message of gratitude from Mr. Nyanhi, acknowledging the sponsors for their unwavering support and their role in enriching Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape. “Your investment in the arts is a testament to your commitment to the well-being of our communities and the vibrancy of our culture.”

The NAMA Sponsors Dinner set the tone for an exciting journey ahead as Zimbabwe’s creative sector prepares for the landmark 2025 NAMA Awards.