By Suleman Chitera
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has once again placed Malawi on the continental spotlight after being named Philanthropist of the Year at the prestigious Zikomo Africa Awards, held on Wednesday night in Tanzania.
The accolade recognises Bushiri’s far-reaching humanitarian work through the Goshen City Trust and the Shepherd Bushiri Foundation, initiatives that have transformed lives across communities. This year alone, the cleric has invested over K5.8 billion into social upliftment programmes, including education, healthcare, food security and economic empowerment.
Receiving the award to loud applause, Bushiri described the honour as a motivation to do even more, reaffirming his commitment to serving vulnerable communities.
“This recognition is not about me, but about the people we serve. I remain committed to uplifting communities and extending a helping hand in 2026 and beyond,” Bushiri said, while thanking supporters and voters for the overwhelming confidence shown in his work.
The Philanthropist of the Year title adds to Bushiri’s growing list of accolades, coming shortly after he received the Maso Humanitarian Award, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s most influential charitable figures.
Malawi Dominates Music Categories
Malawi’s success did not end there. The country made a powerful statement in the music categories, led by Amapiano sensation Temwah, who was crowned Artist of the Year. The win marks her second Zikomo Africa Award, following her Best Rising Star triumph in 2024 — a clear sign of her meteoric rise on the African music scene.
Adding to the celebrations, Emmie Deebo, widely known for her hit song Chilipo, scooped the Best Female Artist, Southern Africa award, underlining Malawi’s growing influence in regional and continental music.
The victories by Bushiri, Temwah and Emmie Deebo signal a proud moment for Malawi, showcasing the nation’s strength in philanthropy, faith leadership and creative excellence on Africa’s grand stage.
