Maso Unplugged unveils raw talent
The first edition of the Maso Unplugged organised by Maso Awards at the Stakeout in Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre on Sunday turned out to be an unforgettable evening of music and unearthing raw talent despite a slow start.
Initially scheduled to start at 2pm, the event faced a low turnout, prompting organisers to shift the starting time to 5pm. However, the delay did not dampen the spirits of the audience which was eager to showcase their own singing talents.

In an impromptu move, the event kicked off with a series of performances by patrons who thought they had what it took to impress the crowd. While some were more enthusiastic than skilled, others surprised the audience with their hidden talents.
Finally, the main event began, featuring an impressive line-up of solo performances by some the country’s most talented artists. Oath, Agorosso, Reuben, Richard Dube, Isaac and Refilwe all took to the stage, delivering captivating performances that left the audience in awe.
“I was thrilled to be part of the Maso Unplugged first edition,” said Oath. “The energy of the crowd was electric, and it was amazing to see so many talented individuals come together to celebrate music.”
One of the attendees Chikondi Phiri said she was particularly impressed by the solo performances.
“What struck me most was the raw talent on display. When these artists perform using CDs, you can’t always tell how much of it is them and how much is editing. But here, it was just them and their instruments. It was incredible to see them showcase their true abilities,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by many patrons, who praised the event for providing a platform for artists to showcase their genuine talents. The intimate setting of the event allowed for a deeper connection between the artists and the audience, making the experience even more memorable.
The event organisers thanked patrons and performers, promising an even bigger and better event in future. Sivy Symon, one of the masterminds behind Maso Unplugged, shared the inspiration behind the event.
“The inspiration behind Maso Unplugged was engagement. We want to engage with our audience throughout the year, not just at the awards. We believe it had a great significance to the music industry as it brought together different creatives and offered exposure to related partners,” he said.
Symon also revealed plans for future events, promising more editions of Maso Unplugged.