Organisers of Mpoto Awards have called on the corporate world to open up and support creative industry events.
The development comes after the third edition of Mpoto Awards, held on Friday at Grand Palace in Mzuzu City, was marred by poor support.
Artists and other players were decorated at the red carpet event, which was graced by several people including renowned poet Q Malewezi, who is also President Lazarus Chakwera’s special adviser on creative industries.
Event director Timothy Chima said yesterday that despite not receiving enough support, the event lived up to its billing.
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“People came in great numbers and, being the third edition, attendance surpassed last year’s edition,” Chima said.
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He revealed that, this year, they only had three sponsors, namely Ulalo, Grand Palace and Kwanza.
“Many [would-be sponsors] promised [support] but failed to support us.
“That said, we are thankful to President Lazarus Chakwera, who donated K1 million, which helped us a lot, in terms of preparations,” Chima said.
According to Chima, the annual event has turned out to be among the top award ceremonies in the Green City.
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Winners on the night included Merchah, who scooped two awards— Artist of the Year and Afro/R&B Artist of the Year—Shano Index (Best New Artist of the Year), Chawa Beats (Best Music Producer of the Year), ‘Zamawa’ by Prince Chitz and Merchah (Best Music Video of the Year), Upie Collection (Best Fashion Designer), Maria Nundwe ( Best Local Gospel Artist of the Year), AG Photography (Best Photographer of the Year) and Moses Mzumara (Sportsman of the Year).
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Dr Judith Mkwaila, who is a surgeon at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
The event was spiced up by performances from Merchah, Prince Chits, Yona Mlakatuli, Shano Index, Jamie Set and Mapulanga Vitsitsi, among others.
Established in 2022, Mpoto Awards honours excellence in different disciplines in the region.
