Stars shine in online awards

Several names from the local music scene have emerged winners in the 2020 edition of the Malawi Sounds Online Awards (Maso).

The notable winners included new music sensation Eli Njuchi, who was voted Best Secular Artist, Kelvin Sings, who won Best Gospel Artist and Sangie who emerged as the Best Secular Female artist.

Also appearing on the winners list was new kids on the block, Lilongwe-based interdenominational choir The Heart of Worship (Thow) who emerged as the Best Upcoming Group, Best Female Gospel Artist Chigo Grace while Patience Namadingo’s  song Mapulani was voted as Best Song of the Year.

Maso is an online music platform that was established three years ago to promote local music talent with much focus on upcoming artists by creating a platform where they can be exposed.

Maso creative director and social media manager Augustine Mukisi said they are happy that the voting process went on well and those who deserved made it.

“The whole process went on well and we are satisfied. We are looking forward to working with the corporate world and various stakeholders so that we can be having these awards in bigger platforms,” he said

Voters chose their preferred artists by voting through WhatsApp and Facebook.

Mukisi said since the inception of the awards, they have enjoyed a good response from music lovers.

In a separate interview, Thow group leader Tamandani Nkhata said they are happy for winning the award. He said the recognition motivated them to do more in 2021.

“To get an award is nothing but an honour especially considering the fact that we are a new group with just singles released so far,” he said

Apart from promoting music, Maso also provides mentorship programme called The Next Star where they identify established artists to mentor upcoming ones.