Ngoma Awards
Established in 1997 by the National Arts Council, the Ngoma Awards are Zambia’s premier national arts honors, celebrating excellence across music, theater, dance, visual arts, and more through rigorous, merit-based selection.
ZAMBIA’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARD CEREMONY
THE NGOMA AWARDS.
The Ngoma Awards are Zambia’s flagship national recognition of artistic excellence and a cornerstone of our cultural heritage since its inception in 1997. Hosted by the National Arts Council of Zambia, these awards honor and celebrate outstanding artists and their contributions across a diverse spectrum of disciplines—including creative writing, community theater, stage theater, music, traditional dance, fashion, comedy, visual arts, and crafts.
More than just accolades, the Ngoma Awards are a tribute to the creative minds and spirits that have enriched our nation’s artistic legacy. Each award is dedicated to fallen heroes who made undeniable contributions to Zambian artists. Presented with the utmost care and scrutiny, the awards ensure that only the most deserving are recognized and celebrated, promising an elevated experience of creativity, passion, and cultural pride.
👉Visit the Ngoma Award Portal for full details
PastWinners & Highlights
Relive the memorable moments,stunning performances, and triumphant winsfrom previous award ceremonies.
Partnering for Excellence
The Ngoma Awards pride themselves on their strong tradition of fostering sponsorship and partnership opportunities. It is through these mutually beneficial collaborations that the Ngoma Awards have consistently managed to create unforgettable experiences for artists and music enthusiasts alike.
Sponsorship and partnership with the Ngoma Awards offer numerous advantages to businesses and organizations. Firstly, aligning with the prestigious Ngoma Awards provides a unique platform for companies to showcase their support for the Arts industry and promote their brand on a national and international scale. Partnering with an event of this magnitude allows businesses to enhance their reputation and gain exposure among a diverse and engaged audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
ELIGIBILITY – WHO CAN ENTER?
Who can enter Ngoma Awards 2026?
Zambian artists, groups or organisations whose work was published, publicly displayed, performed or broadcast within the Ngoma Calendar Year: 1 November to 2 October of the awards year. Work must be in English, Braille, Zambian Sign Language or any Zambian indigenous language. All entries reviewed by Zambia Arts Adjudicators Panel (ZAAP).
Do I need to be a member of an association?
- YES – this is mandatory per 2026 guidelines. Each category requires fully paid-up membership of its specific National Arts Association:
- Comedy -> Comedy Association of Zambia (COAZ)
- Community Theatre -> Zambia Popular Theatre Alliance (ZAPOTA)
- Creative Writing -> Zambia Women Writers Association (ZAWWA)
- Fashion -> Zambia Association of Fashion Designers (ZAFD)
- Media Arts -> National Association for Media Arts (NAMA)
- Music -> Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM)
- Stage Theatre -> National Theatre Arts Association of Zambia (NATAAZ)
- Traditional Folk Dance & Music -> Zambia Folk Dance and Music Society (ZAFODAMUS)
- Visual Arts -> Visual Arts Council (VAC)
If you are not yet a member, contact your association to join before submitting.
Can I enter if I am outside Lusaka or an emerging artist?
Yes. Artists from all provinces are encouraged. For Creative Writing, emerging writers with no more than two published works are eligible for Most Outstanding Emerging Writer.
Who CANNOT enter?
NAC Board members, NAC subcommittee members, Awards Committees of National Arts Associations, NAC staff, Ngoma Organising Committee members, sponsors, Executive Committee members of National Associations, and serving leaders of National Arts Associations.
HOW TO ENTER
Where do I get the entry form?
Prescribed Ngoma Awards entry form from your association or NAC Secretariat. Download via www.arts.gov.zm or www.ngomaawards.co.zm or NAC Facebook NACZedArts. Info: info@arts.gov.zm
How do I submit?
Complete prescribed form individually or through your association representative. Attach work + 80-word bio + proof of when work was produced. Respect Zambian copyright, performance rights, neighbouring rights and IP laws – adaptations, renditions, collaborations allowed but must be declared and cleared. Keep a copy.
Can I resubmit work from last year?
No. A piece previously submitted cannot be resubmitted unless it is a new edition with significant changes.
What is the deadline?
Entries close 2 October per guidelines calendar definition (1 Nov – 2 Oct). Confirm exact 2026 closing date with NAC Secretariat – submit early to avoid disqualification for incomplete files.
Is there a fee?
Membership of your association must be fully paid-up. No separate entry fee stated in guidelines – confirm with Secretariat.
CATEGORIES & WHAT JUDGES LOOK FOR
What are the categories?
9 categories: Comedy, Community Theatre, Creative Writing, Fashion, Media Arts (Radio, TV, Film, Online), Music, Stage Theatre, Traditional Folk Dance & Music, Visual Arts. Each has multiple awards (e.g., Memory Kasweshi Award for female stand-up, Mapopa Mtonga Award for Community Theatre Male, etc.)
What makes a strong submission?
Originality, creativity, technical skill, relevance to Zambian culture/lifestyle, overall impact. Visual Arts must be original, not copied from photos. Media Arts non-Zambian language must have Zambian subtitles. Community Theatre adjudication on location (video only in exceptional cases).
NOMINATIONS, VOTING & JUDGING
Is there public voting in 2026?
YES for selected Popular Vote awards. Some awards are 40% popular vote + 60% adjudication. These include: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Most Outstanding Male/Female Musician, TV Series, TV Actor/Actress, Male/Female Model (Popular Vote), Social Media/Online Comedian, etc. Awards decided by popular vote will be announced during launch. Other awards are 100% adjudication by ZAAP.
How many times can I vote?
Up to 10 votes per award per voting method.
Who are ZAAP?
Zambia Arts Adjudicators Panel – independent panel that ensures transparency, fairness, raises standards and protects integrity. All disputes go to ZAAP within 48 hours, appeal to Council Chairperson has final ruling.
When are awards?
10 December 2026 at Ciela Resort.
AFTER SUBMISSION
How will I know you received it?
Acknowledgment within 5 working days after entries close via association or direct.
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