AWARD-winning Zambian artiste Elton Mulenga, popularly known as Yo Maps, has scooped the 2025 AFRIMA Best Southern Africa Male Artist of the Year award.
The Blessings Follow Me singer, who has started 2026 on a high note, received the prestigious accolade in Lagos, Nigeria.
Yo Maps clinched the Best Southern Africa Male Artist gong at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), beating stiff competition from Nasty C, Tyler ICU, Kabza De Small, Anderson Mario, Jah Prayzah and others.
Receiving the award, the Ni Season Yanga hit maker greeted the cheering audience with “Salam aleikum” before thanking God, his management and fans for the international recognition.
“My name is Yo Maps, representing Zambia, one of the biggest artistes in Southern Africa. I just want to thank Almighty God for this, my family and my wife – I am married, by the way, with two kids,” he said.
He added: “I also want to thank my management, especially my fans.”
Yo Maps further thanked his 2.6 million Facebook followers for their continued support, which he said has propelled his career to greater heights.
“From being the King of Zambian music to the King of Southern Africa 👑🔥🦅. The journey keeps getting louder. Zambia kuchalo 🇿🇲💪. Thanks to everyone who made this possible, especially my fans. All praises to the Most High! 🙌🏾,” he wrote.
The They Want Me Down producer also had words for his competitors, jokingly saying: “Competition naine uzachita retire.”
(Mwebantu, Tuesday, 13th January, 2026)