Yo Maps, Bombshell Earn 2026 AFRIMMA Nominations

Yo Maps and Bombshell Grenade Shine at AFRIMMA

Zambian music stars Yo Maps and Bombshell Grenade have earned nominations at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), with this year’s ceremony scheduled to take place on September 12, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Yo Maps has received his first-ever AFRIMMA nomination in the Best Male Southern Africa category. He will compete against some of the region’s biggest names, including Cassper Nyovest, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Scott Maphuma (South Africa), Zeze Kingston (Malawi), Nutty O (Zimbabwe), and William Last KRM (Botswana).

Bombshell Grenade has secured her third AFRIMMA nomination, this time in the Best Female Southern Africa category. She faces strong competition from Tyla, Makhadzi, MaWhoo, Uncle Waffles, Babalwa M (South Africa), Charma Gal (Botswana), Tamy Moyo and Hanna (Zimbabwe).

Bombshell is no stranger to the continental awards. She previously received AFRIMMA nominations in 2020 and 2021, winning the Best Female Rapper in Africa award in 2021. Her latest nomination further highlights her continued influence in African hip-hop and music.

Nominees

Best Male Southern Africa

1. Yo Maps (Zambia)
2. Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
3. Zeze Kingston (Malawi)
4. Nutty O (Zimbabwe)
5. William Last KRM (Botswana)
6. DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
7. Scott Maphuma (South Africa)
8. Kabza De Small (South Africa)

Best Female Southern Africa

1. Bombshell Grenade (Zambia)
2. Tyla (South Africa)
3. Charma Gal (Botswana)
4. Tamy Moyo (Zimbabwe)
5. Makhadzi (South Africa)
6. MaWhoo (South Africa)
7. Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
8. Babalwa M (South Africa)
9. Hanna (Zimbabwe)

The nominations have been welcomed by fans across Zambia, with many expressing optimism that both artists can bring home awards despite facing stiff regional competition. Having already established themselves among Southern Africa’s top performers, Yo Maps and Bombshell Grenade will be looking to raise Zambia’s flag on one of the continent’s biggest music stages.