yo-boy
@generationtvzambia π₯Ήπ₯Zambian πΏπ² Superstar YO MAPS Wins BEST MALE ARTIST In SOUTHERN AFRICA At The AFRIMA AWARDS 9th Edition Held In NIGERIA 2026π³π¬π₯
Yo Maps: Zambian Star Making Waves
Yo Maps (Elton Mulenga) is one of Zambiaβs most successful contemporary artists β known for hit songs like Mr & Mrs, Kondwa, and Finally. Heβs earned widespread recognition both locally and across the region.
π Awards & Recognition
β Ngoma Awards (2025) β Yo Maps won Best Male Musician at Zambiaβs national Ngoma Awards, celebrating artistic excellence in music and the arts.
β African Music Awards Nominations β He was nominated for Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa at the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), competing with several top artists from across the continent.
β Regional Win in Malawi (UMP Awards) β Yo Maps was named African Artist of the Year at Malawiβs UMP (Urban Music People) Awards, highlighting his growing reach across African markets.
β Earlier Kwacha Music Awards Success β In prior years, he also won Best Male Artist and Best International Achievement at the Kwacha Music Awards, Zambiaβs premier music award event.
π Continental Stage
While AFRIMA 2026 winners included big names like Burna Boy and Rema dominating headline categories at the awards ceremony, the continued nominations and campaigning for Yo Maps reflect his rising stature on the African music stage.
π Why It Matters
Yo Mapsβs success shows how Zambian music is gaining recognition regionally and internationally, with fans and industry support boosting his profile beyond Zambiaβs borders
Nigerian superstars Burna Boy, Rema, Yemi Alade, Shallipopi, Phyno, Qing Madi, and Chella dominated the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) on Sunday night in Lagos.
Rema had a standout night, winning three awards: Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB & Soul. Burna Boyβs album No Sign of Weakness was named Album of the Year, while Yemi Alade took Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary for her song You Are from the animated series Iyanu.
Shallipopiβs hit Laho earned Song of the Year, and he also won Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy. Phyno secured Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, and rising star Chella was crowned African Fansβ Favourite. Qing Madi emerged as Most Promising Artiste of the Year, beating nominees including Cysoul, Joshua Baraka, King Luca, and others.
In the regional categories, Yo Maps from Zambia won Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa, while South Africaβs Nontokozo Mkhize claimed Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa. Other notable regional winners included Rema (West Africa), Jux (Eastern Africa), and Singuila (Central Africa).
The awards celebrated excellence across Africaβs music scene, honoring artists in genres from Hip-Hop, RnB, and Soul, to Jazz, Dancehall, and African Inspirational Music.
Author: biomusic
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