Zambia’s creative scene came alive as the 20th Ngoma Awards, hosted by the Ngoma Awards under the National Arts Council of Zambia, lit up the arts world on 11 December 2025 — celebrating the very best in music, theatre, comedy, fashion, visual arts, community theatre, and creative writing.
It was a night of glory, dominance, and emotional wins as Zambia’s top creatives, alongside regional giants, walked away with top honours, cementing their place in the culture.
MUSIC TAKES CENTER STAGE
Zambia’s biggest sounds dominated the night.
- Song of the Year went to “Follow” – Triple M
- Best Male Musician: Yo Maps
- Best Female Musician: Xaven
- Best Collaboration: “Aye” – Nez Long, Xaven & Yo Maps
- Best Producer: Melar Beats
- Best Male Regional Artist: Winky D
- Best Female Regional Artist: Cleo Ice Queen
THEATRE OWNED THE STAGE
Drama and storytelling brought serious heat.
- Best Production: Shadows of the Light
- Best Actor: Brian Kambenja (Brother Handiya’s PHD)
- Best Actress: Chimanga Munalula (Brother Handiya’s PHD)
- Best Directors: Dauti Leo Simukoko & Henry Joe Sakala (Shadows and Light)
FASHION SHUT IT DOWN
- Best Female Model: Faith Bwalya
- Best Male Model: Mr Mulwanda
COMEDY HAD THE CROWD IN TEARS
- Best Online Comedian: Maza Comedy
- Best Male Stand-Up: King Paul
- Best Female Stand-Up: Nakulu Sekanayo
- Best Skit Comedy Piece: Maza Comedy
VISUAL ARTS SHINE BRIGHT
- Best Female Artist: Mwamba Chikwemba
- Best Male Artist: Kulu Sikazwe
- Best 2D Artist: Mulenga Mulenga
- Best 3D Artist: Chishimba Nyirenda
COMMUNITY THEATRE POWERED SOCIAL IMPACT
- Best Project: Kabwe Ka Mukuba & Sexual Abuse
- Best Innovation: Afronaunts
- Best Practitioner: Gift Chansa
- Most Consistent Group: Tusole Theatre
CREATIVE WRITING WINS
- Male Writer: Lt Col Francis Kunda (Too Hard to be True)
- Female Writer: Chibwe Mulenga (The Silence of Thorns)
- Best Prose: “Loyalty to the Girl or to the Gang” – Richard Sakala
- Best Poetry: “Crisis@30” – Savitir
TRADITIONAL ARTS KEEP CULTURE ALIVE
- Best Male Dancer: Tyson Mweetwa
- Best Female Dancer: Beatrice Mulenga
- Best Costume: Ukuhlangana Isibaya Dance Troupe
- Best Dance Group: Tusole Theatre and Cultural Ensemble
LIFETIME LEGENDS HONOURED
Special recognition went to cultural icons whose impact continues to shape Zambian arts:
- Mr. Alec Mugala
- Annie Katamanda
- Ba Yoka
