In a surprising turn of events at the Born and Bred Awards 2024/2025, Zambian hip-hop heavyweight Chef 187 lost in the Best Hip-Hop Video category for the very first time since his rise to fame — a moment that has sparked widespread debate among fans and music enthusiasts. The rapper, known for his consistent dominance and multiple wins across major award platforms, was noticeably absent from the winner’s list at this year’s ceremony, with 76 Drums taking home the award for “Big Machines”. Social media has been buzzing with reactions, with many expressing disbelief that Chef 187, long considered an unstoppable force in Zambian music, finally faced defeat.
Commentator Gastonkopala fueled the discussion with a viral post, stating: “For the first time in Zambian music history since Chef 187 came on the scene, he has lost an award for the first time.” While some fans see this as a natural shift in the industry, others argue it’s simply a temporary setback for the rapper. Either way, the moment at the Born and Bred Awards 2024/2025, particularly in the Best Hip-Hop Video category, marks a notable change in Zambia’s hip-hop landscape and raises questions about whether a new era of emerging talent is beginning to take shape.
