The 20th edition of the Ngoma Awards, Zambia’s most prestigious national arts honour, was held on December 11, 2025, celebrating outstanding artistic excellence across multiple creative disciplines. Organized annually by the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC), the awards recognize individuals and groups whose work has significantly contributed to the growth and visibility of Zambia’s creative industries.
This milestone edition showcased excellence across music, theatre, comedy, fashion, visual arts, community theatre, and creative writing. Artists, performers, producers, and creatives from across the country gathered to celebrate innovation, cultural expression, and storytelling that reflects Zambia’s diverse heritage. Winners walked away with accolades that not only honor artistic achievement but also enhance professional credibility and influence within their respective fields.
Over the years, the Ngoma Awards have grown into a powerful platform for promoting creativity, professionalism, and cultural preservation. The 2025 ceremony reaffirmed the awards’ role in uplifting creatives, encouraging collaboration, and positioning Zambia’s arts sector as a key contributor to national identity and economic development.
Music Awards Winners
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Best Song of the Year: Follow — Triple M
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Best Male Musician: Yo Maps
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Best Female Musician: Xaven
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Best Collaboration: Aye by Nez Long, Xaven & Yo Maps
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Best Producer: Melar Beats
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Best Male Regional Music Artist: Winky D (Zimbabwe)
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Best Female Regional Music Artist: Cleo Ice Queen
Theatre (Stage / NATAAZ) Winners
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Best Production: Shadows of the Light
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Best Actor: Brian Kambenja (Brother Handiya’s PHD)
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Best Actress: Chimanga Munalula (Brother Handiya’s PHD)
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Best Director: Dauti Leo Simukoko & Henry Joe Sakala (Shadows and Light)
Fashion Winners
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Best Female Model: Faith Bwalya
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Best Male Model: Mr Mulwanda
Comedy Winners
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Best Online / Social Media Comedian: Maza Comedy
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Best Male Stand-Up Comedian: King Paul
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Best Female Stand-Up Comedian: Nakulu Sekanayo
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Best Skit Comedy Piece: Maza Comedy
Visual Arts Winners
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Best Female Visual Artist: Mwamba Chikwemba
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Best Male Visual Artist: Kulu Sikazwe
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Best Two-Dimension Artist: Mulenga Mulenga
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Best Three-Dimension Artist: Chishimba Nyirenda
Community Theatre Winners
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Best Community Theatre Project: Kabwe Ka Mukuba & Sexual Abuse
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Best Community Theatre Innovation: Afronaunts
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Best Community Theatre Practitioner: Gift Chansa
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Most Consistent Community Theatre: Tusole Theatre
Creative Writing Winners
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Most Outstanding Male Creative Writer:
Lt Col Francis Kunda (Too Hard to be True) -
Most Outstanding Female Creative Writer:
Chibwe Mulenga (The Silence of Thorns) -
Most Outstanding Prose:
Loyalty to the Girl or to the Gang — Richard Sakala -
Most Outstanding Poetry:
Crisis@30 — Savitir
Traditional Music & Dance Winners
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Best Male Dancer: Tyson Mweetwa
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Best Female Dancer: Beatrice Mulenga
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Best Costume: Ukuhlangana Isibaya Dance Troupe
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Best Dance Troupe: Tusole Theatre and Cultural Ensemble
Chairman’s Award / Lifetime Achievement
Special honours were awarded to icons whose lifelong contributions have left an indelible mark on Zambia’s arts and culture:
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Mr. Alec Mugala — for his immense contribution to the Arts
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Annie Katamanda — honoured for her legendary impact and dedication
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Ba Yoka — recognised for his outstanding musical legacy that continues to inspire generations
