Lawi appeals for Malawi votes
Malawi’s sole nominee for the All Africa Music Awards (Afrima) Lawi is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to bag his first ever international award.
He has gone flat out with a campaign, wooing Malawians to vote for him for the Best Male Artiste category in southern Africa for his hit The Whistling Song.
Born Francis Phiri, Lawi is the only Malawian on the nomination list of the 32 categories and is facing Eddy Tussa, Kueno Aionda, The Dogg featuring Chesta, Heavy K featuring Professor for Beautiful War and Jah Prayzah.
“Well, as you know the nomination is there, but there is also a need for many votes since we are competing with some of Africa’s heavyweights,” he said.
Lawi noted that while it is an honour for Malawi to make the list, it should not only end with the nomination.
“People need to vote for me to win which will be an accolade for Malawi as well,” Lawi said in an interview.
He has, therefore, shot a video advert to draw more people to vote.
“I know people love the art here and it is a great thing, it is even better that other nations are beginning to appreciate what we do here the rest is up to us as a country to make the effort to join the rest on the continent who whole heartedly vote for their contestants knowing it does not only benefit the musician, but it changes the way people look at the industry in the country.
“So, we have come up with a short video advert that will air on television. This video talks about the nomination and goes on to show people how they can be a part of the voting process. We are lucky that help has been coming from all directions and so far, Luso TV has given us 10 advert slots a day for the whole voting period. And some have paid for online adverts,” he said.
The advert will also be available on the Lawi Facebook page, YouTube and other online platforms as “the idea is to get everyone who can access the Internet in Malawi to be a part of this achievement”.
Voting lines are open for three weeks and the award ceremony will take place on November 9 in Calabar, Nigeria.
To vote, visit www.afrima.org
