Organisers of the Muslim Arts Awards said on Saturday that they were looking forward to developing the initiative in its quest to motivate players in different sectors.
Chairperson for the organising committee Tailosi Bakili made the remarks at the end of the 2024 edition, with activities held at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.
“We continue to raise the bar for the awards. We know there is more room for improvement and this is why we are calling upon well-wishers out there and companies to support us, for we want to make sure that we reward the winners with trophies and cash prizes,” Bakili said.
This year, there were 21 awards that were given out on the night in the categories which included nasheed, poetry, drama and media.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Technical Director Yasin Osman was also given an award on the night, which also saw a number of performances.
In the acting category, Ynusu Ahmad claimed the best up-and-coming actor or actress whereas the best actor/actress accolade went to Sifat James.
“This means more to me. It has been a long journey of learning and being rewarded today shows growth.
“I would like to thank all those who voted for me. I also want to thank all those who continue to give me advice to perfect my craft,” James said.
The other winners on the night included Anganga Ajabiru, who collected the best comedian award, with Ishmael Dinala claiming the best poet accolade.
Aqeel Masinja, who also performed at the event, proved his strength when he won, for the second time, the best nasheed artist, having also collected the award last year.
“I never saw it coming but it is all praise to Allah for this. It does not happen often to win the same award back to back,” Masinja said.
In the media category, the best media personality (online) went to Amiliddin Mvula whereas Gift Sitima from The Times Group scooped the best media personality—print.
The others were Sakina Majawa (best media personality–radio) and Yasin Limu (best media personality–television).
The 2024 Awards, which also saw the presence of Blantyre City Deputy Mayor Councillor Isaac Osman, received support from various players including Liberty Immigration Services, which was represented at the event by seasoned journalist Idriss Ali Nassah.
