Hazel Mak savours Afrima nomination

R’n’B artist Hazel Mak says she is delighted with her first All Africa Music Awards (Afrima) nomination in the category of Best African Act in Diaspora.

Hazel, who stays in the United Kingdom, has been nominated for her song Jaiva which features Roberto and Tay Grin.

In an interview, Hazel said it is always nice and exciting when one’s hard work is appreciated.

“It’s an honour to have been nominated as an international artist. This is a sign that Malawian music is getting great recognition,” she said.

Hazel said she has a great team full of talented and hardworking individuals.

“This award is a reflection of the hard work of the whole team. That is what got us this nomination,” she said.

Hazel, therefore, asked Malawians to help her win the award by voting for her.

“Malawians can help by voting for us to bring this home not for me but for Malawi and all the female artists that are putting in the work,” she said.

Hazel also drummed up support for her counterpart Lily who got nominated for the category of Best Female Southern Africa.

Hazel Mak started singing eight years ago and recorded her first song when she was 15.

“It was a project with an artist that was signed to Sony Music in the UK that wanted young voices on a track,” she said.

Her hit songs include Liyaya and Gwetsa which she did with her husband DJ Nathan Tunes.

She won Best Video award last year for her song Gwetsa at the Urban Music Party (UMP) awards.

She was also named as Best Emerging Act at the Malawi Achievers Awards.

According to the awards official website, afrima.org, the awards seek to unite Africans through the joyous celebrations of excellence in music.

“We seek to create value for Africans and deepen brand equity of Africa,” reads the information on the website in part.

The event to announce the winners will take place in November in Accra Ghana and currently music lovers are voting for their favourite artists through the website afrima.org.

All Africa Music Awards is the biggest music event in Africa and the awards ceremony will be broadcast live to 84 countries across the globe.