NAMA Awards 2026 Set for June at Africa Creative Market During Kwimbo Music Festival
- Nama Correspondent
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
By iCeMorgan (2026)
In a bold and strategic move that signals a new era for Zambia’s creative industry, the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA) has announced that the NAMA Awards 2026 will take place this June as part of the Africa Creative Market, on the sidelines of the vibrant Kwimbo Music Festival.
This year’s edition is more than just an awards ceremony—it is a deliberate convergence of art, business, and culture, positioning the NAMA Awards as a central platform within a broader continental creative ecosystem.
A Strategic Shift: From Ceremony to Platform
Traditionally celebrated as a night of recognition, the NAMA Awards are evolving into a multi-dimensional industry platform. By aligning with the Africa Creative Market, the awards are now embedded within a space designed to foster deal-making, networking, and cross-border collaboration.
This integration transforms the NAMA Awards from a standalone event into a gateway for opportunity, where recognition meets real industry growth.
The Power of Kwimbo Music Festival
Hosting the awards alongside the Kwimbo Music Festival adds another layer of cultural significance. Known for its vibrant celebration of African music and live performance, Kwimbo provides the perfect backdrop for a night that honors excellence across media arts.
The synergy between the festival and the awards creates a unique audience experience, blending entertainment with prestige while attracting both local and international attention.
A Response to Industry Realities
The 2026 edition comes at a time when the creative sector faces financial and structural challenges. Rather than scaling back ambition, NAMA has chosen to innovate through collaboration.
By leveraging partnerships within the Africa Creative Market and Kwimbo Music Festival, the association is:
Expanding its reach
Reducing operational strain through shared resources
Creating new value propositions for sponsors and stakeholders
This approach reflects a growing understanding that the future of creative events lies in integration, not isolation.
The Official 25 NAMA Awards Categories (2026)
As officially adopted, the NAMA Awards 2026 will feature the following 25 categories:
🎬 Film Awards
Best Feature Film
Best Director
Best Male Actor
Best Female Actor
Best Supporting Male Actor
Best Supporting Female Actor
Best Original Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
Best Production Design
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup Artist
Best Animated Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary Film
Best Indigenous Language Film
📺 Broadcasting & Radio Awards
Best TV Channel of the Year
Best TV Presenter of the Year
Best Radio Production of the Year
💻 Digital Media & Content Creation Awards
Best Podcast of the Year
Best Social Media Content Creator of the Year
Best Photographer of the Year
🎥 Reality Television Awards
Best Unscripted Reality Show
🤖 Innovation & Technology Awards
Best Use of AI in Film (Best AI Film)
A Forward-Looking Awards Structure
The introduction of categories such as Best Podcast of the Year, Best Social Media Content Creator, and notably Best Use of AI in Film reflects a progressive shift within NAMA—acknowledging the rapid evolution of storytelling tools and platforms.
This structure ensures that the awards remain relevant, inclusive, and future-focused, recognizing both traditional craftsmanship and emerging digital innovation.
Opportunities for Stakeholders
For corporate partners and stakeholders, the NAMA Awards 2026 present a compelling proposition:
Direct access to Africa’s creative talent pool
Brand visibility within a high-impact cultural platform
Association with innovation, youth, and industry growth
For creatives, the awards offer more than recognition—they provide visibility, credibility, and access to new markets.
Elevating Zambia on the Continental Stage
By situating the NAMA Awards within an Africa-wide framework, Zambia takes a confident step toward asserting its place in the continental creative economy.
This is not just about celebrating excellence—it is about exporting Zambian creativity, attracting investment, and strengthening the country’s cultural footprint across Africa.
Final Word
The NAMA Awards 2026 are no longer just an event—they are a strategic movement.
A movement that places Zambia’s creative industry at the intersection of culture, innovation, and global opportunity.
And this June, under the spotlight of the Africa Creative Market and the rhythm of the Kwimbo Music Festival, that vision will come to life.
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