The 2014 Musicians Union of Malawi Awards (Muma) will go down in history for recognising talent of street entertainers.
This was said by street entertainer Alinafe Jimu, who has been nominated in the Muma’s category of Best Acoustic/Jazz Artist of the Year.
“The fact that I have been nominated in the awards means a lot to me and the entire community of street performers nationwide. It just shows that the organisers are recognising the potential that is there in the street entertainment,” said Jimu.
He admitted that he faces stiff competition in the category; hence, his appeal for support.
His contenders include Lawi, Agorosso, Anko Layi and Mawanga & Amaravi Movement.
Jimu, who has popular acoustic tracks such as Time is Money and Zidutswa that have been enjoying airplay both on radio and television stations, said he is geared to break the record.
He said he had an added advantage considering the fact that he is a self-sponsored artist who had put up a gallant fight in order to put his name on the map.
“I am not saying people should vote for me due to the fact that I am one of the struggling artists in the country, but rather my talent. I have really worked hard to put acoustic music on the map last year. Blantyre cannot talk of street entertainers without the mention of Alinafe Jimu,” he said.
Jimu, who often performs on the streets of Limbe and surrounding townships, challenged that he could win the award if the illiterate voters were to be reached with awareness campaign on the awards.
Jimu hails from Masanjala Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kadewere in Chiradzulu. He ventured into the music industry around 2003. – Howard Mlozi Correspondent
