Musician Miracle Chinga and footballer Isaac Kaliati on Saturday night emerged as this year’s Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Entertainers of the Year star performers based on popular vote.
This was announced at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe during the second edition of the revived Entertainers of the Year programme. Miracle and Kaliati each went away with K2 million, 50-inch Sumsung TV and irrigation pump worth K8 million for their feats.
The event featured 51 awards in various categories such as music, drama, film, poetry, media, sports and social media. While 27 recipients collected their awards during the ceremony, the rest were acknowledged and would get them from MBC offices.
Organisers appeared to have learned from past mistakes. Ticket prices were lowered, leading to a high turnout and the selection of nominees and winners was more structured, with voting based on popularity and public choice.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda commended MBC for recognising and supporting talent through the event.
“The private sector came in to support these awards and we are grateful for the gesture. We appeal to them to continue supporting talent,” he said.
Organising committee chairperson Chisomo Mwamadi said they were impressed with this year’s event and highlighted the efforts made to improve from last year.
“We looked at all the gray areas and improved. Next year, we will iron out all the remaining issues since organising events is about learning and improving,” he said.
Mwamadi further noted the strides made in increasing the prizes for the awardees.
Poet Robert Chiwamba, who won Male Poet of the Year, also commended organisers for their efforts, especially
the changes they made.
The grand finale was spiced up with music performances by Eric Palirani and Kell Kay
