Celebration of urban talent

All the way through, the country’s urban artists have dedicated themselves to some great work such as producing of influential music that has impressed on the entertainment scene. And  time has come to reap the fruits of their sweat this Sunday at this year’s Urban Music  Party (UMP) Festival to be held at BAT ground in Blantyre.
All is set for the annual event, whose bigger part is to recognise the immense talents of urban artists from across the country.

“They have performed outstandingly in their different areas of strength such as singing and production. So, what we are saying is that time has come to recognise them. We need to give them guts so that they work even harder for the benefit of our country,” said Khumbo Munthali, one of the organisers of UMP.
He said urban artists contribute positively to the development of the country’s music and tourism industries, hence the need to recognise them.
Urban music has become a force behind the boom of Malawi’s showbiz industry, connecting young people in the process. Today, a music show can hardly happen without featuring an urban artist. If it is not Piksy then it is Maskal, if Gwamba misses then Diktator is there, if Nepman is not featured then expect Saint or Nesness to fill the gap. Again, if Third Eye and Fredokiss are not featured at a particular show then you will find Daredevils, Martse or Tay Grin on the programme.
“There is no denying that the country’s urban artists are growing with a tremendous speed. So, they need our support to up their game,” said Munthali.
Music performances, recognition of outstanding artists and mcees’ rap battle, which will be hosted by rapper Genii Blakk, will spice up the festival.
A panel of three judges; media and industry players Panther Rix, Rex Chalenga and Kimpho Loka, will determine the winners.
There are over five categories in which artists are competiting  at this year’s UMP, namely:  Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year, Producer of the Year, Best New Artist and Lifetime Achievers Awards.
The event will be headlined by Zammbia’s Chimz Kelly of Dorika fame.  But it starts with a pre-party tomorrow night at Blue Elephant where Diktator, Trumel and Bucci are expected to perform. n