A NEW era has dawned for the Zambian music industry as artistes Yo Map’ and Vinchenzo Mbale have both announced the launch of their own music festivals, ushering in a new era of live music experiences.
On July 21, 2025, Vincent Daka whose stage name is ‘Vinchenzo Mbale’ took to his social media platforms to announce the launch of “Chakumwa Music Festival,” a musical celebration which promises to showcase the best of Zambian talent while also offering a platform for new and emerging artistes to gain exposure and connect with audiences.
Dubbed the ‘beer president’ by his fans, Vinchenzo will take center stage at the ‘Chakumwa Music Festival,’ backed by a lineup that is sure to be a hit with music lovers and beer enthusiasts alike.
The artiste is also set to bring his urban, youthful, and culturally vibrant energy to the festival world.
Known for hits that blend humour, lifestyle, and street vibe, his festival is expected to cater Gen-Z and millennials, with surprises that mirror his quirky and unpredictable style.
On the other hand, Yo Maps, whose real name, Elton Mulenga, also announced an annual “Olios Music Festival,” which will be debuted next year.
Speaking about the festival, Yo maps through his management stated that the Olios festival will be an unforgettable experience each year, filled with amazing performances, vibrant vibes and a celebration of music and community.
The launch of the two festivals represents a bold challenge to the current festival scene in the industry, which was largely dominated by established players like Danny Siulapwa’s Danny Kaya Music Festival, Petersen’s ‘Zagerfest,’
As relative newcomers to the world of festival hosting, Yo Maps and Vinchenzo Mbale are ready to shake things up with their own unique visions and styles
As speculation mounts about Yo Maps’ Olios Music Festival and Vinchenzo’s Chakumwa Music Festival, sources hint that these events may feature an unprecedented level of star power, with international guests, local acts and unique fan experiences.
Both artistes are reportedly investing heavily in these festivals, promising a level of production and excitement not yet seen in Zambia’s music festival scene.
However, as neither festival has released any official details, we will have to wait and see what these bold new ventures will unleash.
This unprecedented level of competition between these musical heavyweights has sparked the interest of both music lovers and industry experts alike, who are eagerly anticipating the outcome.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba August 2, 2025
