Chef 187 comes out on top at Zambian Music Awards

Hosted by Gesh Groove and Kutemba, the biggest winner of the night was Chef 187, who picked up four awards: Best Mainstream Male Artist, Best Collaboration (with Afunika for 'Kumalila Ngoma'), Best Hip-Hop Album and Best Mainstream Album for Heart of a Lion. Abel Chungu Musuka took home three awards, for Best Gospel Male Artist, Best RnB Album and Best Gospel Album for Love Unleashed.

Chef 187 recently celebrated on his Facebook page: “Last night was great! I love my supporters. I put in my everything in that ‘Heart of a Lion’ project and I am glad to see my plans come to fruition. It’s all because I have people who love and respect what I do. Thanks for votes, we did it again and please let's make this a habit!”

Musuka also took to Facebook to thank his fans: “Taking home the awards last night for Best R&B Album, Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Artist at the Zambian Music Awards was an epic moment in my music career. It only showed me that many people have been moved and touched by the music. So to all my Family, Friends and Fans who voted for me, God bless and keep the flame burning.”

This year’s third edition of the ZMAs saw a total of 34 categories up for grabs - 15 judged by a panel and 19 by popular vote. Since the call for nominations in December 2014 and the announcements of the finalists in February, the public has been closely involved and were invited to vote for their favourite artists through text messages, the ZMA website and Facebook. The awards incorporate the ZMA Industry Awards, which are handed to the most skilled technicians in the Zambian music industry.

“The Mosi Lager Zambian Music Awards are something that all Zambians can be proud of. I would go as far as saying that these awards are as good as any other awards across the African continent,” said Zambian Breweries marketing director, John Cochran, in an article published in Zambia’s Daily Mail.

“Zambian music is poised for growth not only within Zambia but across the continent. It is there for the taking and it is our hope that these awards go some way to further build and expose the wonderful talent and skill that abounds in Zambia,” added Cochran.

The winners of the 2015 Zambian Music Awards are:

• Best Club DJ: Bizzy Wizzy
• Best Female Radio DJ: Roxy (Radio Phoenix)
• Best Male Radio DJ: Man Chilu (ZNBC)
• Best Collaboration: 'Kumalila Ngoma' – Chef 187 & Afunika
• Best Choral Album: Pa Lupili – Mt. Sinai
• Best Kalindula Album: Ndevu – Liseli Sisters
• Best Dance-Hall Album: Time Bomb – T Sean
• Best Reggae Album: Freedom – Chris Aka
• Best RnB Album: Love Unleashed – Abel Chungu Musuka
• Best Hip-Hop Album: Heart of a Lion – Chef 187
• Best Mainstream Album: Heart of a Lion – Chef 187
• Best Gospel Album: Love Unleashed – Abel Chungu Musuka
• Best Niyatu Album: Mr. Nyopole – Willz
• Best Song Writer: P Jay (Brian Chengwa)
• Best Jazz Album: Moments Of Truth – Afro Red
• Best Live Recording Album: Muli Yesu – North Mid Mega Choir
• Best Band: Amayenge Cultural Ensemble
• Best Gospel Female Artist: Suwilanji
• Best Gospel Male Artist: Abel Chungu Musuka
• Best New Artist: Willz Mr. Nyopole
• Best Traditional Music Album: Malizu – Tasila Mwale
• Best Indigenous Group: Kasama Arts Troupe
• Best Sound Engineer: Brian Michelo
• Best Drummer: Eston Mwape
• Best Studio Sound Producer: Jerry Fingaz
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Evelyn Hone College 
• Best Mainstream Female Artist: Mampi 
• Best Mainstream Male Artist: Chef 187
• Song Of The Year 2015: 'Mama Rebecca' – Macky2