The Belgian-Congolese singer Camille Yembe has won the Joséphine Prize for her debut album Jeune & Laide, which was released in May 2026. The award was presented during a ceremony at the Olympia in Paris on Wednesday, September 30. Camille Yembe, 29 years old, was honored by two juries: one chaired by artist Pomme and another composed of thirteen young music enthusiasts aged 18 to 20 years. This marked the first time the Joséphine Prize, in its fifth edition, awarded a single artist two prizes. Camille Yembe, a native of Brussels and born in the Molenbeek-Saint-Jean neighborhood, had previously released an EP titled Plastique in 2025. Her debut album Jeune & Laide (Tie Break Music / Wagram) was described as an intimate and well-constructed work that explores themes of youth, identity, and personal journey, including her doubts, past wounds, and dysfunctions. The album was noted for its use of French language and its blend of pop with other musical genres. The Joséphine Prize, named after Joséphine Baker and inspired by the song Osez Joséphine by Alain Bashung, had previously awarded Oklou in 2025, Bonnie Banane in 2024, Tuerie in 2023, and November Ultra in 2022. This year, ten albums were in competition, including those by Aupinard, LinLin, and Gildaa. These finalists performed during the ceremony, and their performances will be broadcast on Arte.tv on November 9. Camille Yembe expressed her surprise and empowerment after winning the award, stating that the recognition by young people was especially meaningful as it indicated her music resonated with her audience. She also noted the validation from the music community as a significant milestone, given her previous struggles with legitimacy.