By Jimmy Chazama and Sam Band Jnr
The annual Entertainers of the Year Awards, led by Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), took place on Saturday night at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe with over K42 million cash given out to winners.
The event pulled an impressive audience.
Apart from decorating 51 winners, there were music performances from jazz maestro Erik Paliani and ‘Mukanabwera’ star Kell Kay.
They gave out befitting performers at the event, which made a comeback last year—after it disappeared from the scene for some time.
Chairperson for the organising committee, Chisomo Mwamadi, said they were happy that they gave Malawians a great experience worth their time and money.
“Minus the delayed start due to the Commission of Inquiry report presentation, which was also broadcast live on our platform, and some power outages, I would say, overall, the event was a success by our standards compared to last year,” Mwamadi said.
He said, this year, voting was on point—so was patronage at the event, with members of the corporate world giving them support.
“Every year, we continue to learn.
“We will be having a review meeting soon to look at the event in detail; that is, looking at success and shortfalls,” Mwamadi said.
He also said, minus material prizes, they hit around K42 million or more in cash prizes.
He described the development as good for the arts and entertainment industry.
“This is a great honour to the winners.
“The corporate world gave us support and improved prize packages for winners,” Mwamadi said.
He said they expected many changes moving forward.
“We will announce the massive changes in the next edition,” Mwamadi said.
Some of the top winners on the night included Driemo (Secular Artist of the Year – male) and Emmie Deebo (Secular Artist of the Year- female).
In the drama category, Nanyoni won Best Radio Actress of the Year while Walewale took home the award for Best Radio Actor of the Year.
The event also saw The Times Group presenter Brian Banda scooping the Television Personality of the Year (male) award whereas Ruth Kulaisi collected the Television Personality of the Year (female) award.
In other categories, It Can Be You, a programme which airs on Times Television and is hosted by Isaac Salima, collected the Television Programme of the Year award with Mdyangu, which also airs on Times Television, scooping the Television Drama of the Year award.
Gospel musician Steve Wazisomo Muliya, who is also The Times Group’s presenter, defended the Gospel Artist of the Year (male) award.
One of the biggest winners of the night was Miracle Chinga, who scooped two awards: Gospel Artist of the Year (female) and the overall Entertainer of Entertainers award.
The other winners were MBC’s Joy Nathu (Radio Personality of the Year-male), who also scooped the Best Radio DJ accolade, Chikondi Phinda (Radio Personality – Female), Phwedo (Content Creator of the Year–Male) and Tamia Ja (Content Creator of the Year-female).
Culture Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda praised efforts being made in the creative industry.
“We have done research that shows that the creative industry is contributing up to 3.1 percent of the gross domestic product and generating over $40 million annually.
“It is also creating jobs for young people. Awards like these are key in motivating artists to work extra hard,” Chimwendo Banda said.
The minister also commended Jetu for her musical exploits this year before, calling on organisers to add another category for the elderly.
Renowned poet Robert Chiwamba, who collected the Best Poet of the Year (male) award hailed MBC coming up with the Entertainers of the Year event.
“We need more of these platforms because they motivate us to work hard. They also have increased the prize money.
“Last time, I received K150,000 and now I have received K450,000,” the Poetry Association of Malawi leader said.
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