MBC crowns 2023 entertainers

It was a special night filled with style and glamour for the winners of the 2023 MBC Entertainers of the Year awards on Saturday night at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

After an 18-year break, the awards marked a historic return as the evening unfolded into a glamorous celebration recognising talent within Malawi’s media and entertainment landscape.

The awards ceremony started with conversations where nominees had the opportunity to mingle among themselves,  exchanging greetings while patrons and renowned personalities filled the auditorium.

The red-carpet event was spiced up with performances by  renowned musician Keturah and the Amapiano star Zeze Kingston.

Keturah’s melodious vocals set the stage ablaze while she played her traditional hand instruments, adding a spark to the show.

After presenting awards of various categories, Zeze took centre stage with a highly energetic performance. His commanding presence on stage left the audience in awe, marking an unforgettable moment in the evening’s line up.

The awards recognised outstanding entertainers across multiple categories, including poetry, drama and film, music, media and social media. Winners of all categories went away with different prizes and rewards.

In an interview, MBC director general George Kasakula expressed delight at the turnout. He said the winners deserved better.

He said: “It has been a successful ceremony and the response has been positive from everywhere we are already receiving feedback. However, I am not satisfied with what they have got, but hopefully next year will be different and much better.”

Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda, who presided over the ceremony, applauded MBC for bringing back Entertainers of the Year awards after a long break.

“Awards do quite a lot, they motivate, inspire and create that type of competition that brings out the best from artists and this benefits the creative industry. I am happy that we can work hand in hand with MBC to promote the industry,” he said.

In an interview, overall winner of the awards, Cliton Thomasi, famously known as Akira, expressed joy following the prestigious recognition.

He walked away with a fridge, Kiliye Kiliye decorder, return air ticket to South Africa and K2 million from Maranatha Private Schools, among other prizes.