Shocks, surprises at Muma awards

Shocks and more surprises. That is how the second Music Malawi Awards (Muma) held on Friday at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe can best be described.

What was shocking was not the organisation itself or the fact that there were few patrons at the venue—but the outcome of the 14-day public voting.

The emotion at the venue and on social media networks was also one of disbelief—about how certain artists found themselves winning. But then, people voted and it was just time to declare the winners.

The night started with Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) president Chimwemwe Mhango recognising veteran musician Patrick Simakweli for his commitment to the union.

“Despite losing his seat at last year’s elections, he still remains committed. He once led the Southern Chapter on a march to push government to implement the Cultural Policy, which we now have in place.

“He helped a lot in organising a game between Big Bullets and MUM to raise funds for the late Geoffrey Zigoma’s treatment. We appreciate his efforts and heart to push our union to greater heights. Our gesture is also to encourage others to do better,” said Mhango.

With that, the awards were set in motion and emerging dancehall artist Bingolingo was the first to get his miniature after winning the Best New Artist accolade.

Edgar ndi Davis were next after banking the Best Neo Traditional Award. A few minutes later, the band returned on stage where they put up an entertaining performance which seemed like a celebration of their triumph.

With their long time collaborator, Gidess Chalamanda, the group captured the attention of the audience, sending some on their feet.

Next was the turn of the composer of the National Anthem Michael Sauka, who was honoured posthumously. Flanked by her two grandsons, Sauka’s widow could not hide her excitement after getting the recognition.

“It’s like I have been alive just to see this day. Although he is not with us, I know his spirit is happy to get this recognition,” she said.

An ecstatic Nesnes won the Best Dancehall Artist, but it was Dan Lu, who won the Best Contemporary Afro Pop Award, who attracted the attention of many patrons.

“Ineyo? Yes!” exclaimed the artist as he jumped out of his seat and headed to the stage to receive his prize. He literally grabbed the trophy from British High Commissioner Michael Nevin and protectively held it with his two hands, signifying how delicate and fragile the award is.

The announcement of Dan Lu winning the award was met with some elements of shock, with only a dozen patrons acknowledging it by way of clapping hands.

So, while Lufani was enjoying his moment of fame, there were murmurs as why he won and not Lucius Banda, with others rooting for Skeffa Chimoto. Other nominees in this category were Gwamba and Piksy.

Princess Chitsulo and King James Phiri were next on stage to collect the Best Gospel Female and Male Musician Awards, respectively.

But arguably, the first biggest surprise of the night was when Danny Kalima was declared the winner of the R’n’B category.

“Who is he?” “What song did he do,” were some of the questions some of the patrons were heard asking, while some were busy tossing their heads in different directions to get a glimpse of the winner. But he was nowhere to be seen.

Best reggae accolade went to Sally Nyundo, with some fans taken aback with the announcement as they felt either Black Missionaries or Anthony Makondetsa were more deserving winners.

Hip-hop artist Tay Grin also burst into uncontrollable celebration as he made his way to the stage to get his award.

This was in sharp contrast to what happened next—a simple man, even humble in his walk, but with one big smile. Arguably, the biggest smile of the night and it came from Lawi, the artist who got the Best Acoustic Jazz Award.

While the awards were getting closer to the climax, there was a sudden quietness, as if remote controlled, as everything went mute for some seconds.

A few in the audience perhaps recollected themselves, then clapped hands for Karonga-based Lusubilo Band who won the Best Band Award.

Kamuzu Barracks Gospel Singers were also in a world of their own as, true to their profession, they threw mantras in celebration and marched to stage as if it was a military parade after being declared winners of the Best Gospel Group.

Shocked and even more than surprised was Dan Lu when he returned on stage to collect the Best Male Artist Award, his second of the night. Surprise was written all over his face, he even mumbled through his speech. He was not the only one visibly surprised with a second award as minutes later, Princess Chitsulo came on stage with teary eyes and make a disjointed speech.

Meanwhile, Favoured Martha won the Best Female Artist Award.