The race for this year’s Entertainers of the Year Awards has begun in earnest following the announcement of final nominees by organisers Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).
On Monday morning, MBC held a media briefing at Hotel Victoria in Blantyre where it unveiled the top three nominees from the 48 categories.
Leading the pack with multiple nominations is actress-cum-producer Flora Suya. She has four nominations namely actress of the year, film producer of the year, film director of the year and best TV drama producer of the year.
She is being trailed by fellow actor Kelvin Maxwell Ng’oma with three nominations for best radio actor of the year, best stage actor of the year and best TV actor of the year.
Zodiak Broadcasting Station television personality Ruth Kulaisi and musician Eli Njuchi have received two nominations each.
The list has also seen other new entrants in the entertainment industry such as rising amapiano star Fada Moti, Emmie Deebo and Sife MW make the final list.
Speaking during the press conference, Entertainers of the Year organising chairperson Chisomo Mwamadi said the fate of those nominated lies in the hands of voters and he has encouraged Malawians to start voting for their favourite entertainers.
“We need to vote for one person from each three nominees at each category. The award ceremony is a red-carpet event that provides a perfect opportunity for corporate bodies to support local talent and showcase their brands”, he said.
Mwamadi said the awards are a way of recognising and celebrating the hard work and dedication of local entertainers. He has assured the public that the event will be of high quality and will meet the expectations of Malawians.
MBC has engaged auditing firm Graham Carr to oversee the voting system.
The company’s supervisor Kennedy Harawa said the voting system will be transparent and secure.
“The system is secure and ensures that only one vote per gadget counts and that only one vote from each gadget will be counted”, he said.
Voting started yesterday and will run up to December 14, when the winners will be unveiled at an event scheduled for Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
Last year, the awards were cast into the spotlight after people expressed dissatisfaction with some nominations and category configurations. The emerging of Akila as overall winner and film producer of the year was another contentious point.
