All set for MAM Awards tonight

All is set for the inaugural Musicians Association of Malawi (MAM) Awards scheduled for Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe tonight.

With the mood reflecting to the old times of the forgotten MBC’s Entertainers of the Year, the awards will expose  the current best musicians in the country as determined by public voting which was launched two weeks ago.

There are 15 categories and winners stand a chance to walk away with fabulous prizes.

Although organised within a short period of time, the progress made so far promises the night to be a historical one.

Mobile service operator Airtel on Wednesday pumped in K5 million and according to organisers, the money is just enough to make the event memorable.

MAM president Chimwemwe Mhango yesterday said, part of the cash has gone towards paying for bills, venue, hiring sound equipment and buying dinner to be served during the night. With the second citizen in the hall as guest of honour, the organisers have selected the cream de la crème of music to entertain the patrons at the event.

Mhango said among the artists to perform include Chileka-based reggae stars Black Missionaries, Lucius Banda, Skeffa Chimoto, Piksy, Faith Mussa, Favoured Martha, Agoroso, Lulu and Edgar ndi Davis.

“We have hired powerful equipment and the artists shortlisted to perform have confirmed and promised a thrilling performance,” said Mhango, adding that the event will close with performances.

MAM announced the awards early this month and despite criticism from the society especially on criteria used to come up with the categories and selection of artists for the categories, MAM has not withdrawn any artist, but added some artist to some categories.

Reports indicate that voting has been smooth and the public voice will be known tomorrow night when the deserving artists will be announced.