Wikise wins big at UMP
It was once again that time of the year when excellence in the local arts and fashion industry is recognised and rewarded courtesy of the Urban Music People (UMP) awards platform.
So, on Saturday night people from all walks of life converged at Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre to witness the crowning of individuals for their outstanding work in the ending year.
The event was scheduled to start at 6.30pm but by 8pm, the organisers were still trying to get all the finer details in the setup up to boot.
When co-hosts Sam Kabambe and Priscilla Kayira finally stepped on the stage, it was a huge relief to the audience who included former Blantyre City Council mayor Noel Chalamanda.
The all-girl group Krazy Colours were the first to grace the stage followed by Dzaleka Refugee Camp-based choreographers Salama Dancers. The runway then played host to a fashion show which displayed designs from Kris Base, Que-ziah, Jay Designs, Legacy Fashion and Christian Entwan.
Then it was time for the real business. The award presentation started with the fashion category. The Male Model of the Year Award went to KhethumileKawilima.
Best Female Model was won by Christina Mavuto and the Most Fashionable Celebrity Award went to Toast in the male category. Singer Hazel Mak scooped the Most Fashionable Celebrity Award in the female category.
House of Daniella won the Best New Fashion Designer Award. Fashion Designer of the year went to Christian Entwan.
In the music category, Patience Namadingo won the Video of the Year Award for his song Ng’wiiNg’wii. Best Duo/group award went to Lilongwe-based XVI and DJ Sley went home with Producer of the Year Award. Kim Of Diamonds won the Female Artist of the Year Award.
But the biggest winner on the night was dancehall artist Wikise who won the Song of the Year Award for the hit Chikam’phulikire and the ultimate Artist of the Year Award. He was the only artist to bag two awards on the night.
Three honourary awards were presented to three individuals for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields. Music promoter Jai Banda got the Living Legend Award.
Fashion designer Lily Alfonso got the Fashion Living Legend Award while Ben Wandawanda received the Fashion Icon Award.
Banda said: “It is very commendable for the UMP family to honour me while I am still here. It means a lot to me. It is a sign that people recognise the contribution I have made in promoting local music.”
Director of the awards Ken Zizwa said they are happy with the support that the public continues to show to their establishment.
