The 2026 National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) delivered glitz, glamour and serious debate after rising comedian Comic Elder missed out on the People’s Choice Award, which was retained by Zimdancehall heavyweight Winky D.
For the tenth time, Winky D scooped the People’s Choice Award, reinforcing his legendary status as Zimbabwe’s perennial fan favourite. Even in years when he releases little music, the “DiBigman” effect remains unmatched. On the same night, his hit Fake Love won Outstanding Music Video.
Fans Rally Behind Comic Elder
Comic Elder, who dominated 2025 after recognition from President Emmerson Mnangagwa, including a US$150,000 reward and a Ford Raptor, said little after the loss. Instead, he posted a dead bird, referencing the Shona phrase “shiri inozongofa”, often used in football when an underdog loses despite dominating.
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Fans flooded social media with mixed reactions
One wrote:
“Imagine u got a raptor (from the president) for making them laugh and not an award for making us laugh….you are talented.”
Another added:
“You and Tokoloshi were head to head y’ll deserved to win hakuna zvema double number 1 here.”
Others were blunt:
“People’s choice we all know the owner i myself voted for the big man (Winky D).”
Comic Elder also lost the Outstanding Social Media Skits award to Sean Khoza, popularly known as Thokoloshi, whose educational Thokoloshi skits under Code Red Solutions have gained national traction.
Still, many insisted the young comic’s impact goes beyond trophies.
“You win some you loose some Thats life wangu,” one fan comforted.
Other Big Winners
Veteran arts and entertainment reporter Plot Mhako won Outstanding Journalist and celebrated emotionally:
“Mama I made it! 🙏🏾 24th National Arts Merit Awards – Outstanding Journalist. Deeply humbled and very thankful for this recognition and your support.”
Mhako has been instrumental in exposing alleged irregularities at the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), challenging the US$150 flat fee for cover bands and questioning property sales, moves that triggered national debate.
DJ Ollah 7 won Outstanding Podcast, marking two years since leaving Star FM to build his independent platform.
Major Winners at NAMA 2026
- Winky D – People’s Choice Award & Outstanding Music Video (Fake Love)
- Jah Prayzah – Outstanding Male Artist
- Nutty O – Outstanding Song (Too Much)
- Sean Khoza (Thokoloshi) – Outstanding Social Media Skits
- Nigel Maritinyu (Nijo) – Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian
- Outstanding Female Dancer | Celine Madziva
- Outstanding Male Dancer | Prince Mbisa
- Outstanding Choreographer | Tanaka Machikicho
- Outstanding Dance Group | Unseen Stars
- Outstanding Male Visual Artist|Pardon Mapondera
- Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist|Tadiwanashe Joel Mufuta
- Outstanding Poet|Sithandizile Dube
Fashion Awards
- Outstanding Male Designer| Ishmael Tsakatsa
- Outstanding Female Designer| Danai Madondo
- Outstanding Actress – Thandolwenkosi Ngiwane
- Outstanding Director|Leonard Matsa
Writing Category
- Outstanding Playwright – Tatenda Mutyambizi
- Outstanding first published work| The killer Pastor
- Outstanding Children’s Book| Gerald Shorai
Film and Television Awards
- Outstanding Actress|Charity Dodo
- Outstanding Actor | Leeroy Siyafa
- Outstanding Music Video| Fake Love Directed by Tawanda Sibotshiwe
- Outstanding Screen Production| Magweja – Dexter Fundira
- Outstanding Screen Production -Short Film|Munaishe Nyamubaya
- Outstanding Screen Production -Full Length |Dilemma by Joel Njangu
- Outstanding Breakthrough Musician|Atenda Chinx
- Outstanding Female Musician| Nisha Ts
- Outstanding Music Group| Joyful Praise Choir
- Outstanding Album – Ndini Mukudzeyi -Jah Prayzah
- Outstanding Male Social Media Content| Marvelous Nyongoro- African Finder
- Outstanding Female Social Media Content| Gracia Bvute
- Promoter of the Year| Odessy Entertainment
- Outstanding Arts Personality of the Year| Innocent Dube
While Comic Elder walked away without a trophy, many believe his cultural impact remains undeniable. As one fan put it:
“You win some, you lose some, that’s life.”
But when it comes to the People’s Choice Award, Winky D continues to prove why he remains Zimbabwe’s undisputed fan favourite.
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