The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) has announced a partnership with Miss Deaf Zimbabwe Trust for the upcoming 2025 edition. According to the press release, this collaboration focuses on promoting inclusivity and ensuring that the voices of the differently-abled community are represented in the arts.

Through this partnership, Miss Deaf Zimbabwe Trust will provide sign language interpretation, performances, and model showcases at various events leading up to the awards ceremony. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive environment for all artists.

Additionally, NAMA has opened nominations for the People’s Choice Award, allowing the public to vote for their favourite artists across genres such as music, dance, theatre, literature, spoken word, comedy, visual arts, television, and radio. This award offers fans a chance to engage and support the artists they admire.

Nominations will remain open until February 5, 2025. To participate, you can submit your nominations online. For updates, follow NAMA on social media at @namaszim.

This year’s NAMA is taking steps toward fostering inclusivity in Zimbabwe’s arts scene, inviting everyone to get involved.