2024 Mwape Peer Awards Winners
About the Mwape Peer Awards
Mwape Peer Awards was established in 2010 by Ruth and James Mwape, of New Jersey, USA. This non-profit initiative was part of the couple’s plan to give back to the people by providing a platform to recognize those individuals who, without the benefit of visibility or influence, made a difference through their creativity, energy and sheer tenacity. Initially the prestigious awards were initially given to the Zambian unsung heroes and heroines only, but in 2014, it was opened up to all Africans in and outside Africa.
The 2010 inaugural awards ceremonies were held at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Washington D.C. Central/White House on Rhode Island Avenue on October 20th. The carefully chosen date, also marked James and Ruth’s 20th Wedding Anniversary.
The Mwape Peer Awards Team
James Mwape
Founder
Ruth Mwape
Operations Director
Charles Bwembya
Program Director
Mulenga Kabungo
Finacial Advisor
Mbumwae S. Smith
Senior Event Advisor
Margret Phiri
Publicity Director
Malita Mbewe
Team Member
Winnie Musonda
Team Member
Suja Kurian
Team Member
Simon Powanga
Team Member
Dr Grace Mukupa
Team Member
Ndemena Chitumbo
Team Member
Mwape Peer Awards All Time Winners
Dorothy Nkoma
Humanitarian Award
Gladys Mwemba
Entrepreneur Award
Jefta Phiri
Talent Award
Loretta Ching’andu
Rising Star Award
Mathews Musonda
Education Award
Maya Mwanawasa
Sports Award
Mwanza Changala
Author Award
Oscar Miyanda
Media Award
Schaffin Mweemba
Entertainment Award
Spencer Chiimbwe
Leadership Award
Sylvia Mwewa
Nursing Award
Grace Kakoma
Author Excellence Award
Moses Mwansa
Digital Innovation Award
Mwaka Malaika Sichinju
Engineering Excellence Award
Alick Banda
Entertainment Excellence Award
Charity Jere
Entrepreneur Excellence Award
Enoch Miyoba
Humanitarian Excellence Award
His Worship Clement Mwila
Learship Excellence Award
Dr. Jones Kayamba Kasonso
Education Excellence Award
Nancy Nasilele Imasiku, RN, MSN/PH
Nursing Excellence Award
Jamaldeen Busari
Professional Excellence Award
Osward Chanda Penda
Research Excellence Award
Fareendah Yusuf
Rising Star Award
Osward G. Mutapa Siabwanda
The James Mwape Award
Noah Ndhlovu
Author Excellence Award
Tapela Banda
Community Advocates Award
Stella Banda
Community Leadership Award
Amb. Dauda A. Gidado
Diplomatic Excellence Award
Sarah Chishimba
Engineering Excellence Award
Lawrence Thompson
Entertainment Excellence Award
Ben Lombe
Entrepreneur Excellence Award
Astridah M. Chipowe
Humanitarian Excellence Award
Maya Mwanawasa
Law excellence Award
Sombo Muzata, PhD, MBA, FCCA
Leadership Excellence Award
Ray Jackson
Education Excellence Award
Prof. Mulindi Mwanahamuntu, MD
Medicine Excellence Award
Musola Kaseketi
Media Excellence Award
Prof. Mercy Ngosa Mumba, PhD, RN
Nursing Scientist Excellence Award
Andrew Mwape
Professional Excellence Award
Pelekelo Mwiya
Research Excellence Award
Agnes M. Nsofwa, RN, MSN, BBA
Rising Star Award
Onijah Zani
Talent Excellence Award
Bishop Dr. Paul Bupe
Humanitarian Excellence Award
Audrie Mulenga Matete
Humanitarian Excellence Award
Beatrice Mwansa
Talent Excellence Award
Bornface Banda AKA Zerub Exodus
Entertainment Excellence Award
Chendela Yangeni
Leadership Excellence Award
Chimfwembe Mutale
Engineering Excellence Award
Elias Munshya, ESQ
Law Excellence Award
Mwamba Muntanga
Education Excellence Award
Natasha Sichula
Rising Star Award
Peter Daka
Community Leadership Award
Prof. Musonda Kapatamoyo
Educator Excellence Award
Ratisha Mtonga
Entrepreneur Outstanding Award
Rodrick M. Mutale
Author Excellence Award
Siyanga Siyana
Nursing Excellence Award
Suja Kurian, MBBS, MBA
Professional Leadership Award
Tapela Lungu
Media Excellence Award
Joel and Noel Mwanza
Leadership Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Selfless Devotion to Life Changing Paths for Others.
Diana Chitsaka Mwangala
Professional Award
In Recognition of Your Work on Reproductive Health and Hygiene among Girls in Kenya.
Wendy Ray
Education Excellence Award
In Appreciation of the Larger Education Impact and Lasting Legacy on Zambian Orphans.
Amidel K. Chalwe
Rising Star Award
For Your Ability to Convey Complex Ideas Clearly, Persuasive Speaking and Compassion to Others.
Paulina Longwe
Nursing Excellence Award
In Appreciation for Your Frontline Work During the Corona Virus Covid-19 Pandemic.
Mailes Zulu Muke
Community Leadership Award
In Appreciation of Transforming Rural Communities therough Save Environment People’s Agency (SEPA).
Arnold Nyendwa
Entrepreneur Outstanding Award
For Founding a Stainless Steel Tech Company, Venturas Jumpstart, Making Stoves the Use 3 Energy Sources.
Dr. Naeem Dalal
Medicine Excellence Award
In Appreciation of Your Outstanding Leadership in Advocacy and Treatment of Mental Health.
Reagan Tembo
Engineering Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Polani Healthcare and Zed Tracker Innovations.
Joel Mwanza
Media Excellence Award
In Appreciation of Your Creativity, Innovative, Everlasting Impact and Sustainable Legacy on Zambian Children.
Stanley Mwiinga
Technology Excellence Award
In Appreciation of Your Efforts in Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Among Students.
Sr. Mercy Lusa Ngalande
Humanitarian Excellence Award
In Appreciation of Your Selfless, Courageous and Exemplary Missionary Work Among Poor People in Rural Zambia.
Clive Mudenda Milandu
Author Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Book, “Faith and Madness“.
Alice Mulombe Muyambo
Talent Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Exceptional Talent, Commitment and Creativity in Visual Art.
Shyman Shaizo
Music Entertainment Award
In Recognition of Your Outstanding Music Performance and Charitable Work.
Margaret Nassim Jahangir
Public Health Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Outstanding Clinical Leadership Activities as Founder/CEO of Connect-To-Retain Organization.
Prof. Imelda K. Moise
Research Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Contribution to World Class Research Accomplishment as a Health Geographer.
Dr. Henry Wells Kasaini
Corporate Leadership Award
In Recognition for Exemplifying Scientific Research and Inspiring Business Leadership Skills.
Dr. David Kazhila, MD
Excellence in Medicine Award
In Recognition of your Dedication and Excellent Service as an Internal Medicine Specialist.
Davies Chirwa
Media Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Outstanding Performance as Founder / CEO of Channel A TV.
Jean Thompson
Humanitarian Excellence Award
In Recognition of your Exemplary Charity Work Supporting the Aquinoe Learning Center, Kitale, Kenya.
Schaffin Mweemba
Rising Star Award
In Recognition of Your Amazing Dance Moves and Choreography Skills.
Elizabeth L. Nkumbula, PhD, MBA
Professional Leadership Award
In Recognition of your Exemplary Leadership Skills as CEO of Workers Compensation Control Board.
Rita Niyigena
Community Leadership Award
In Recognition of Your International Understanding and Work as a Helping Hand to Those in Need.
Anthony Chanka
Leadership Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Leadership as Co-Founder of International Institute of Zambian Progress.
Ingrid Nayame
Author Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Writing Skills as an Emerging Novelist.
Akende Munalula
Entertainment Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Outstanding Acting Performance and Positive Attitude in Movies.
Barrington Chungulo
Humanitarian Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Work as Founder of The Dream Factory Transforming Dreamers into Visionaries.
Victor Malona Lombanya
Gospel Music Award
For your Extraordinary Achievement and Performance As Gospel Music Singer.
Caroline Martin, CEO
Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Outstanding Business and Entrepreneurial Achievement as Co-Founder/CEO, Steel City, Inc.
Steady H. Moono, EdD
Excellence in Education Leadership Award
In Recognition for Outstanding Education Leadership Excellence As President of SCCC.
Mufalo Chitambala
Leadership Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Outstanding Performance and Dedicated Service Among Immigrants in New England.
Chela CJ Katwishi
Media Excellence Award
In Recognition of Your Outstanding Performance and Superior Positive Attitude to Media.
Catherine Mwiilu
Indie Nursing Excellence Award
In Recognition for Providing Exceptional, Compassionate and High Quality PeriOperative Nursing Care.
Anthony Chintu
Rising Star Award
In Recognition of Your Founding Teen-Ap Zambia to Inspire, Motivate, and Positively Reach Others.
Mirriam Mampi Mukape
Entertainment Award
In Recognition for her Outstanding Music Talent in Zambia and Around the World.
Constance Mudenda
Teacher Excellence Award
Chanda Mutale
Humanitarian Award
For her Touch of an Angel Foundation Initiative for Women & Children in Zambia.
Henry Sakala Madzaela
Community Leadership Award
In Appreciation for his Leadership and Work in the Zambian Community in New York Metro Area.
Elliot Moono Munsanje, PhD
Leadership Award
For Being a Pillar in the Zambian Community and Excellent Contributions to Macha Malaria Research.
Dr. Queen Blessing Itua
Rising Star Award
For Self-Funding to Help the Poor and Vulnerable Youth in the Diaspora Community.
Mutale Kambaila
Entrepreneur Award
For his initiative of AmeZam Shipping Services in the African Community to Central Africa.
Mutengwana Kasapu Mwaba
Nursing Excellence Award
In Recognition for her providing Exceptional, Compassionate and High Quality Nursing Care.
Obrien Siame aka O.C.
Music Award
Levi H. Makala, MVD, DVM, PhD, MBA
Research Scientist Award
Georgia, USA
Chibaula D. Silwamba
Diplomatic Excellence Award
New York, USA
Louise Suzanne Kapopo
Nursing Excellence Award
Massachusetts, USA
Kalenga Kamwendo
Rising Star Award
Kitwe, Zambia
Deborah Yambala
Talent Award
New York, USA
Garry Brooks
International Service Award
British Columbia, Canada
Nell Diallo
Leadership Impact Award
Georgia, USA
Frank Boakye
Teaching Excellence award
Johannesburg, South Africa
Mwansa Mupundu, Jr.
Global Leadership
Pennsylvania, USA
Schmidt Chintu
Entrepreneur Excellence Award
London, UK
Kutemba Konga
Humanitarian Award
Lusaka, Zambia
Chiluwata Lungu
Engineering Award
Georgia, USA
Mawano Kambeu
Entrepreneur Award
Zambia
Dr. Kachinga Sichizya
Physician Award
Zambia
Chomba Kaluba
Global Leadership Award
Maine, USA
Bridget Ingram
Community Leadership Award
British Columbia, USA
Cassie Kabwita
Rising Star Award
Zambia
Captain Fredrick Chola
Professional Award
Jakarta, Indonesia
Brian “B Flow” Bwembya
Music Award
Zambia
Rev. Maidstone Mulenga
Pastoral Leadership Award
Maryland, USA
Dr. Anna Fulano Katema
Outreach Leadership Award
Georgia, USA
Buumba Malambo
Humanitarian Leadership Award
Zambia
Sylvia N. Sakulanda
Nursing Excellence Award
Georgia, USA
Mamadou Kone
Rising Star Award
New York, USA
Prof. Mwizenge Tembo
Research Award
Virginia, USA
Okyerema Asante
Musician Award, African Music
New York, USA
Evance Chanda
Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Johannesburg, South Africa
Joyce Adewumi
Music Contributor Award
USA/Nigeria
Innocent Kalaluka
Media Music Innovation Award
Lusaka, Zambia
Hon. Miles Sampa, MP
Leadership Excellence Award
Lusaka, Zambia
Gideon Amoafo
Movie Producer Award
Accra, Ghana
Besong Agbor
Community Leadership Award
Germany
Dr. Bernard Mukwavi
Community Leadership Award
BC, Canada
Lubinda F. Walubita, PhD
Leadership Award
Texas, USA
Christina Chewe Mulenga
Nursing Excellence Award
FL, USA
Erasmus Mweene
Rising Star Award
Zambia
Pamela Mwiinde Mwenda
Student of the Year Award
PA, USA
Maria Kasolo
Public Service Award
Italy
Justina Mutale
Professional Award
UK
Joseph Chimpampwe
Bankers Award
Lusaka, Zambia
Margaret Phiri
Community Leadership Award
Zambia
Thandiwe Chihana
Leadership Award
UK
Beatrice Nkanza
Management Award
Zambia
Saboi Imboela
Music Award
New Zealand
Kozhi Sydney Makai, PhD
Professional Award
Texas, USA
Sanday Chongo Kabange
Journalist Award
Hong Kong
Zaza Ndhlovu, PhD
Research Award
Massachusetts, USA
Winnie Musonda
Talent: Rising Star Award
New Jersey, USA
Caleb Fundanga, PhD
Bankers Award
Lusaka, Zambia
Richard Mbewe, PhD
Economics Award
Warsaw, Poland
Prof. E. Clive Chirwa
Engineering Award
UK
Gershom Ndhlovu
Journalism Award
Leading, UK
Munyonzwe Hamalengwa, PhD Esq.,
Law Award
Toronto, Canada
Ms. Adjoa Ameyaa Parker
Leadership Award
Germany/USA
Dr. Edwin Mapara
Physician Award
UK
Prof. Thomson Sinkala
Research Award
Lusaka, Zambia
Lungwami Muungo, PhD
Professional Award
Lusaka, Zambia
Ms. Rungano Nyoni
Rising Star Award
UK
Mbumwae Suba-Smith
Community Leadership Award
New York, USA
Ms. Lelemba Phiri
Rising Star Award
Cape Town, South Africa
Prof Kenneth Kaoma Mwenda, PhD, LLD, DSc.
Law Award
Washington DC, USA).
Mr. Chisanga Puta-Chekwe
Leadership Award
Ontario, Canada
Dr. Moono Ernest Munsanje
Medicine Award
Botswana
Mr. Chisanga G. Katongo, aka CRI$I$
Music Award
Lusaka, Zambia
Musonda Lemba, PhD
Professional Award
Lusaka, Zambia
Frequently Asked Questions
To promote acknowledgement and recognition of the outstanding efforts by Africans at home and the diaspora.
The Awards ceremony was held on Saturday September 21st, at Scavello’s On The Island in City Island, New York.
Award winners are chosen by the Selection Committee of fellow peers in each category.
No, anyone can attend. A $100 single and $180 couple donation gets you an admission ticket, which includes dinner dance and open bar, plus optional giveaways.
As awards sponsors, James and Ruth do not nominate anyone or participate in the selection process.
Invitation letters are sent to those willing to attend the Awards ceremony at their own expense who needs a US visa to enter the US. The US Consulate makes the final determination as to who gets a visa or not.
No. Blind nominations are not allowed. You will need some information and permission from the prospective nominee to fully complete the nomination.
Yes, media organizations are always welcome.