Out Of Africa: Malawi’s UMP Awards Return For 2025 Edition, Nominations Announced
Malawi’s UMP Music Awards have announced the nominees for this year’s edition … With Eli Njuchi, Namadingo and Zeze Kingston emerging as the most nominated acts across several key categories. Eli Njuchi, one of Malawi’s leading Afrobeats and R&B artists, received multiple nominations, including Male Artist of the Year, Album/EP of the Year for CIFU, […]
Black News 
Malawi’s UMP Music Awards have announced the nominees for this year’s edition …
With Eli Njuchi, Namadingo and Zeze Kingston emerging as the most nominated acts across several key categories.
Eli Njuchi, one of Malawi’s leading Afrobeats and R&B artists, received multiple nominations, including Male Artist of the Year, Album/EP of the Year for CIFU, and Best Afrobeats/Fusion Act. He also features in the Best Collaboration category for ‘Ju’ (which has him featured by Macelba).
Namadingo, another strong contender, secured nominations for Male Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for ‘Tuli’, Best Live Act, and Best Music Video for the same track. His fanbase, known as Nama Fans, has also been recognised in the Best Fans Award category. Namadingo is further nominated in the Tourism Promotion and Humanitarian Award categories.
Zeze Kingston stands out with nods in the Male Artist of the Year, Best Amapiano Act, Best Live Act, and Humanitarian Award categories.
Among female nominees, Jetu and Temwah lead with multiple appearances. Jetu is shortlisted for Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for ‘Pangolin’, while Temwah is up for Female Artist of the Year and Tourism Promotion honours.
Other strong contenders include Joe Ikon, who was nominated for Male Artist of the Year, Best New Male Artist and Best Amapiano Act, while Driemo’s ‘Magini’ competes for Song of the Year and Best Music Video.
In genre categories, Gwamba, Phyzix, and Toast are nominated for Best Hip Hop/Rap Act, while Driemo, Eli Njuchi, Kell Kay, Merchah and Onesimus dominate the Best Afrobeats/Fusion Act category.
The 2025 UMP Music Awards will take place on 25th October during the UMP Festival, a celebration of music, fashion, film, and the arts. The Festival features music performances, the Cape Maclear Film Festival showcasing African and global storytelling, the Miss UMP Beauty Pageant, and a vibrant art exhibition with live painting, street art, and digital installations.
Voting for the UMP Awards officially opens on 8th October and will run until 20th October 2025, giving fans across the country and beyond the chance to support their favourite artists and acts.
See the full list of nominees here.
