Zambia’s music superstar Yo Maps continues raising the flag high after winning African Artist of the Year at the prestigious Urban Music People Awards (UMP) in Malawi. The celebrated hitmaker triumphed over some of Africa’s biggest acts, including Burna Boy, Tems, Tyla, and Diamond Platnumz, marking a monumental moment for Zambian music on the continental stage.
The UMP Awards, known for honoring outstanding achievements across African entertainment, recognized Yo Maps for his chart-topping releases, massive cross-border appeal, and consistent domination across the region.
Fans across Zambia and Malawi have been celebrating the milestone, describing the win as a well-deserved achievement for an artist who has continuously pushed boundaries with his unique sound and unmatched work ethic.
The full list of winners from the 2024 UMP Awards highlights a competitive year for African music, but Yo Maps’ victory stands out as a proud moment for Zambian entertainment. This win cements Yo Maps’ position as one of Africa’s leading voices and a key figure shaping the future of contemporary Afropop.
UMP AWARDS WINNERS LIST – 2025
Best Fans -^Abale Fans
Best Band -^ Black Missionaries
Best Humanitarian -^ Namadingo
Tourism Promotion Award -^ Tay Grin
Lifetime Achievement -^Wisdom Chitedze
Global Impact Award -^ Tay Grin
Best New African Artist Act -^Eemoh
Best North African Act -^ Wegz
Best East African Act -^Diamond Platnumz
Best West African Act -^Davido
SADC Regional Artist of the Year -^Onesimus
African Artist of the Year -^Yo Maps
Best Duo or Group -^Mario Bros
Best Live Act ‘Namadingo
Best Music Video Director -^Seany Films
Best Music Video -^ Sikoyamba – Afana Ceez
Best Collaboration ‘^ JAH Bless – Bee Jay & Ace Jizzy ft. The Daredevils
Best Traditional/Indigenous Music Act -^Amidu Elian
Best Afrobeats/Fusion Act -^ Eli Njuchi
Best Reggae/Dancehall Act -^Malinga Mafia
Best Amapiano Act -^Joe Ikon
Best Hip Hop/Rap Act -^ Toast
Best Gospel Act -^ Masintha Women’s Choir
Best New Artist (Female) ‘Lady Aika
Best New Artist (Male) -^ Chain Oh Abebu
Album/EP of the Year -^ CIFU – Eli Njuchi
Song of the Year -^Tuli – Namadingo
Artist of the Year (Female) -^ Jetu
Artist of the Year (Male) -^ Namadingo
Best Innovative Sound -^Waison Malakam – Aumvele fungo
People’s Choice Award -^ Lywya – Mabonngwe
UMP MEDIA AWARDS WINNERS LIST – 2025
Best Community Radio Station -^Radio Lilanguka
Best Print Media House -^The Daily Times
Best Online Publication -^Zodiak Online
Best TV Station -^ Zodiak TV
Best Radio Station -^ Times Radio
Best Graphic Designer -^ Happy Bakolo
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Lifetime Achievement Award -^ Sam Banda Jnr
Best Print Arts Journalist -^Sam Banda Jnr
Best Online Arts Journalist -^Innocent Kumchedwa
Best Podcast Show -^ Podcast Malawi
Best Creative Photographer -^Amuna Achisale
Best Radio DJ (Male) -^Joy Nathu
Best Radio DJ (Female) -^Mwayi Simbota (MBC)
Best Club DJ (Male) -^DJ Mighty Virus
Best Club DJ (Female) -^ DJ Nynezi
Best Fashion Content Creator -^ Quanary & Rich Baby
Best Comedic Content Creator -^ Shabani & Francis
Best Sportainment Content Creator -^ Waganyu
Best Tourism Content Creator -^Travel with Mervis