Bulawayo | 21 December 2025

The Pumula Royal Arts & Culture Awards (PRACA) 2025 lit up Pumula North Hall, recognising individuals and organisations who made significant contributions to arts, culture, media, sports, and community development over the past year.

The awards, held under the theme “Transforming Communities, Amplifying Youth Voices: Accelerating Change through Arts and Youth Creativity,” brought together artists, creatives, media practitioners, youth leaders, and community organisations from across different disciplines.

PRACA 2025 honoured winners in more than 50 categories, spanning music, dance, poetry, literature, film and theatre, visual arts, media and podcasts, content creation, fashion, business, climate action, sports, and community engagement. The awards aim to recognise excellence while highlighting the role of youth-led creativity in driving social change at community level.

PRACA 2025 – OFFICIAL WINNERS LIST

Music Awards

1. Outstanding Newcomer (All Genres) – Noxzie

2. Best Male Artist – Mlue Jay

3. Best Female Artist – Acquillah K

4. Best Music Producer / Studio – Klyve Beats

5. Music Video of the Year – Move – Mandie Mae

6. Song of the Year – Umuntu Omthandayo – Ntix The Vocalist ft Ndustoz

7. Best Maskandi Artist – Umsheli Wentombi

8. Best Gospel Artist – Collen Moyo

9. Best Alternative Artist – YungGlow Dzet

10. Best Amapiano / House / Gqom Artist – DRLOVENJ

11. Best Hip Hop Artist – Briza

12. Best Dancehall Artist – Bovas

13. Best Afro-Pop Artist – Dubcee

14. Outstanding DJ (All Genres) – DJ Maramzie

15. Best Collaboration – Ngifunukuyalobola – Ukhathazile Isokalendawo ft Umsheli Wentombi

16. Best Duo / Group – Bulawayo Children’s Choice

17. Album of the Year – Umsaphazi – Mlue Jay

Dance Awards

18. Outstanding Male Dancer – Joaquim Siphosami (Iyasa)

19. Outstanding Female Dancer – Liane Ndlovu (Khaya Arts)

20. Outstanding Duo / Dance Group – No Name Dance Crew

Poetry & Literature Awards

21. Outstanding Male Poet – Nhlanhla Da Poet

22. Outstanding Female Poet – Noxie The Poet

23. Outstanding Literary Work (Fiction) – The Student Body – Phakemenkosi Princess Moyo

24. Outstanding Literary Work (Non-Fiction) – Is It The Key – Trust Gwasunda

Film & Theatre Awards

25. Best Upcoming Actor / Actress – Musawenkosi Ncube as Amahle (Umngane)

26. Best Actor – Ezra K Ngwenya as Switch (Blood Debt)

27. Best Actress – Sharmaine Nkala as Mbali (Umbali)

28. Best Short / Feature Film – Blood Debt – Black Nation Films

Visual Arts Awards

29. Best Cinematographer – Praise L Nkala (Zizo Motion Pictures)

Media & Podcast Awards

30. Best Production / Media House – Chung Nation Media

31. Best Online / Print Media – Ibrah Magazine

32. Outstanding Journalist / News Reporter – Mkhokheli Zibengwa (BANO News)

33. Best Podcast Production / Talk Show – Bulawayo Connect

34. Best Podcaster / Presenter – Onesimo Ngcotsha (Skyz Metro FM)

Content Creation Awards

35. Best Social Media Content Creator – Bunandi Mdala

36. Best Educational / Informative Content Creator – Walter Tynash

Modelling & Fashion Awards

37. Outstanding Male/Female Model – Ashantia Mpofu

38. Outstanding Creative Hand Worker – Praise Ndlovu (PraisePhants)

39. Outstanding Fashion Designer / Label – Nqabelo Ngwenya (Money Greetings)

Community & Business Awards

38. Outstanding Youth-Led / Community Organisation – F.A.B.G Foundation

39. Business of the Year – Pumula Arts and Crafts Centre

40. Outstanding Youth-Led Organisation in Climate Action / Advocacy – Glass Recycling Designers

Individual Awards

41. Outstanding Youth in Community Engagement – Lawson Khiwa Chiwayi

42. Entrepreneur of the Year – Simbongeni Ncube

43. Upcoming Entrepreneur – Phumzile Ntonisani

44. Outstanding Youth Leader – Pius Lwandile Nleya

45. Outstanding Youth in Climate Advocacy – Gamelihle Thabo Thwala

46. Outstanding Green Initiative / Job – Glass Recycling Designers

Sports Awards

47. Outstanding Sportsman / Sportswoman – Yvette Tadiwanashe Tsaukai (Thandanani Netball Club)

Out of Pumula Categories

50. Outstanding Musician – Bhila

51. Outstanding Poet – Riley G

52. Outstanding Youth in Community Engagement – Dylan Khanye

PRACA 2025 concluded with organisers reaffirming the awards’ commitment to recognising grassroots excellence and using arts and youth creativity as tools for sustainable community development.