Malawi’s talent storms 2026 Zikomo Awards nominations

By Jimmy Chazama:

The wave of the country’s talent continues to infiltrate other countries with the latest episode a nomination of a number of stars for this year’s Zikomo Africa and Caribbean Awards.

This is not the first time Malawi has got nominees in the awards but this time, the numbers have improved.

The awards will be held in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania later this year.

This year’s nominees include Amapiano star Zeze Kingston, who has received three nominations namely Best Southern Africa Artist of the Year, Best International Collaboration of the Year for the track ‘Ndilira Mumvula’ featuring Zambia’s Yo Maps and Best Amapiano Song of the Year for ‘Hey You Sibusiso’.

Other musicians who are on this year’s nomination list are Joe Ikon for Best New Artist of the Year, Oana (Best Upcoming Female Artist), Praise Umali (Best Album of the Year) for *Dreams for Sale *and Driemo (African Afro Chart Artist of the Year).

The nomination list also has Scorchers star Temwa Chawinga, who has been nominated for Best Zikomo Footballer of the Year, Mphatso Rico Mpinganjira (Best Sports Personality of the Year, Miss Malawi First Princess Ireen Navicha (Best Model of the Year) and Schizzo Thomson (Best Business Leader of the Year).

The other nominees are Kelvin Ngumuya (Best Social Media Innovation of the Year) and Kelvin Before Gumbi KBG (Best Social Media Influencer of the Year).

Oana, who last year bagged the best upcoming female musician in Maso Awards, said she was excited with the nomination.

“Being recognised at the Zikomo Awards is a milestone in my journey. It shows that the music is reaching people and the effort is paying off,” Oana said.

She has since encouraged people to support her and other nominees by voting.

Voting opens on October 5 2026 and will close on November 30 2026 on the Zikomo Africa Awards Website with winners set to be announced during the grand finale.

Zikomo Awards is an international award ceremony that celebrates individuals and organisations who are contributing positively and doing well in various industries including art and entrepreneurship.