UMP Awards Malawi unveils nominees list

Topping the list of nominees is Afro-pop and dancehall artist Stich Fray who has been nominated in the Best Producer, Artist of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Best Afro-pop Artist and Best Music Video categories. In a surprising development, hip hop artist Tay Grin failed to dominate the nominees list despite enjoying success with a number of hits this year. Other artists with more than one nomination include Fredokiss, Hazel Mak and Gwamba.

Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Mafikizolo (South Africa) and Nasty C (South Africa) will battle it out in the Best SADC Act category.

“I just got nominated five times for this year's UMP Awards. It's an amazing thing for me but all this will be in vain if you don't help me with voting,” Stich Fray said on Facebook.

Voting is under way and people can vote for their favourite categories several times. Fans can send an SMS with the category and name of the artist to 9393 (TNM network) and 2885 (Airtel network).

SMS example: UMP/artist of the year/name of artist. Voting closes on 15 November.

“Only names on the nominees list will be considered. Charges apply and multiple voting is allowed. Popular votes will be weighted together with votes from a panel of judges- a selection of several experts on Malawian urban music,” reads press statement from the organisers.

Below is a full list of nominees:

Best Collaboration

• ‘Gwetsa’ – Hazel Mak & Natha Tunez
• ‘Jangiriya’ – Jay Jay Cee ft. Various Artists
• ‘Mr Yesu’ – Kell Kay ft. Gwamba
• ‘Noninoni’ – Phyzix ft. Martse & Dan Lu
• ‘We Run The City’ – DJ Sley ft. Various Artists

Best New Act

• Waxy
• Vube
• Tuno
• Seven O More
• Pinky Ice

Best Producer of the Year

• BFB
• DJ Sley
• Gaffar
• Sonye
• Stich Fray

Reggae/Dancehall Artist

• Blasto
• Jay Jay Cee
• Malinga
• Purple C
• Queen Fire

Best Female Artist

• Hazel Mak
• Hilco
• Lady Pace
• Sangie
• Tuno

Best Rap/Hip Hop Artist

• Fredokiss
• Macelba
• Phyzix
• Toast
• Hyphen

Album of the Year

• Jesus Is My Boss – Gwamba
• XO – Purple C
• Painless – Sangie
• Redefinition – Slessor
• Highly Underrated – Third Eye

Best Live Act

• Fredokiss
• Gwamba
• Tay Grin
• Theo Thomson
• Third Eye

Best SADC Act

• Jah Prayzah
• Diamond Platnumz
• Cassper Nyovest
• Mafikizolo
• Nasty C

Artist of the Year

• Saint
• Tay Grin
• Macelba
• Stich Fray
• Fredokiss

Song of the Year

• ‘Apse Mtima’ – Macelba
• ‘Delilah’ – Saint
• ‘Tola’ – Tay Grin ft. Vanessa Mdee
• ‘Wangwiro’ – Sangie
• ‘Zoti Ndimakukonda’ – Stich Fray

Best Gospel Artist

• Gwamba
• Miracle Chinga
• Onesimus
• Saxess
• Suffix

Best Afro-pop/R&B

• Kell Kay
• Sonye
• Stich Fray
• Theo Thomson
• Sir Patricks

Best Video of the Year

• ‘Zoti Ndimakukonda’ – Stich Fray
• ‘Tola’ – Tay Grin ft Vanessa Mdee
• ‘Tchwee’ – Martse
• ‘Gwetsa’ – Hazel Mak & Nathan Tunez
• ‘Dear Jah Jah’ – Fredokiss

Best Duo/Group

• Archaida Universe
• Bossaro Music Group
• Home Grown African
• Mabilinganya Empire
• W Twice

Best Band

• Mizu
• Mingoli
• Active X
• Mibawa
• Langwan Movement

Video Director of the Year

• Essim
• Mest Media
• Ron Cz
• Sukez
• VJ Ice