Frequently asked questions

Yes — this is mandatory for 2026. Each category requires fully paid-up membership of its National Arts Association:

• Comedy — Comedians Association of Zambia (COAZ)
• Community Theatre — Zambia Popular Theatre Alliance (ZAPOTA)
• Creative Writing — Zambia Women Writers Association (ZWWA)
• Fashion — Zambia Association of Fashion Designers (ZAFD)
• Media Arts — National Association of Media Arts (NAMA)
• Music — Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM)
• Stage Theatre — National Association of Theatre Arts in Zambia (NATAAZ)
• Traditional Folk Dance & Music — Zambia Folk Dance and Music Society (ZAFODAMUS)
• Visual Arts — Zambia National Visual Arts Council (VAC)

If you are not yet a member, contact your association before submitting. See the association directory.

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.

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.

Use the prescribed Ngoma Awards entry form from your association or the NAC Secretariat. You can also start a nomination on this website via Categories. Information: info@arts.gov.zm, www.arts.gov.zm, or NAC Facebook NACZedArts.

Complete the prescribed form individually or through your association representative. Attach the work, an 80-word bio, and proof of when the work was produced. Respect Zambian copyright, performance rights, neighbouring rights and IP laws — adaptations, renditions and collaborations are allowed but must be declared and cleared. Keep a copy.

No. A piece previously submitted cannot be resubmitted unless it is a new edition with significant changes.

Entries close 2 October 2026 (calendar year 1 November 2025 – 2 October 2026). Submit early to avoid disqualification for incomplete files. Confirm any Secretariat updates via info@arts.gov.zm.

Membership of your association must be fully paid-up. No separate entry fee is stated in the guidelines — confirm with the Secretariat.

Nine disciplines: Comedy, Community Theatre, Creative Writing, Fashion, Media Arts (Radio, TV, Film, Online), Music, Stage Theatre, Traditional Folk Dance & Music, and Visual Arts. Each has multiple awards.

Originality, creativity, technical skill, relevance to Zambian culture or lifestyle, and overall impact. Visual Arts must be original, not copied from photos. Media Arts in a non-Zambian language must have Zambian subtitles. Community Theatre is adjudicated on location (video only in exceptional cases).

Yes, for selected popular-vote awards. Some awards are 40% popular vote and 60% adjudication, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Most Outstanding Male/Female Musician, TV Series, TV Actor/Actress, Male/Female Model (popular vote), and Social Media/Online Comedian. Awards decided by popular vote will be announced during the launch. Other awards are 100% ZAAP adjudication. Public voting on this site will open when NAC announces it.

Up to 10 votes per award per voting method, once public voting opens.

The Zambia Arts Adjudicators Panel is an independent panel that ensures transparency and fairness. Disputes go to ZAAP within 48 hours; an appeal to the Council Chairperson has the final ruling.

10 December 2026 at CIELA Resort and Spa, Bonanza Estate, Lusaka.

Acknowledgement within 5 working days after entries close, via your association or directly.

If an eligible artist dies before the process concludes, the entry, nomination or award remains valid and is received by a lawful representative or estate with proof.