Mpoto Awards
| Mpoto Awards | |
|---|---|
| Awarded for | Excellence in music, film, media, and arts |
| Location | Northern Region |
| Country | Malawi |
| Presented by | Mpoto Awards Committee |
| First award | 2022 |
Mpoto Awards, formerly Mzuzu Awards, are annual entertainment awards held in Malawi to recognize excellence in music, film, media, and the arts in the northern region of the country, particularly in Mzuzu.[1][2] Established to celebrate northern Malawian talent, the awards have become a platform for showcasing local artists, filmmakers, and cultural figures.[2][3][4]
The event attracts established performers as well as upcoming creatives, with winners selected through public voting and panels of industry experts. Notable past recipients include Pop Young, Billy Kaunda,[5] Merchar and cultural activists from the northern districts of Rumphi, Mzimba, and Karonga.[2][5]
History
[edit]The Mpoto Awards were founded in the 2022 as part of a drive to show creativity in northern Malawi, which is sometimes overshadowed by events in the capital Lilongwe and the commercial city Blantyre.[6] The awards expanded from music categories to include film, media personalities, sports figures, and community leaders.[7][2]
Categories
[edit]The Mpoto Awards have featured a variety of categories such as:
- Artist of the Year
- Best Female Artist
- Best Male Artist
- Best Hip Hop Act
- Best Gospel Artist
- Best Media Personality
- Lifetime Achievement[8]
Full list of winners
[edit]This is the list of winners for major Mpoto Awards categories:
| Year | Winner | Category | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Pop Young | Best Artist of the Year | |
| 2023 | Lazz G | Best Hip-hop Artist of the Year | |
| 2023 | Merchah | Best RnB/Afro Artist of the Year | |
| 2023 | Dumis9ne 1 | Best Reggae Artist of the Year | |
| 2023 | Captain Shaka | Best Dancehall Artist of the Year | |
| 2023 | Diego | Best New Artist of the Year | |
| 2023 | ChawaBeats | Best Producer of the Year | |
| 2023 | Golden City Tower | Best Promotion Platform of the Year | |
| 2023 | Yona Mlakatuli Gondwe | Best Poet of the Year | |
| 2023 | Explo Artworks | Best Graphic Designer of the Year | |
| 2023 | AG Photography | Best Photographer of the Year | |
| 2023 | Dir Tonney | Best Video Director of the Year | |
| 2023 | Pop Young | Best Music Video of the Year (Collect) | |
| 2023 | Patrick Kuyokwa | Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year | |
| 2023 | Chitipa United | Best Sports Team of the Year | |
| 2023 | Priscilla Soko | Best Athlete of the Year | |
| 2023 | Billy Kaunda | Lifetime Achievement Award | |
| 2023 | Nthondwa | Hip-hop and Culture Achievement Award | |
| 2023 | Akometsi | Regional Excellence Catalyst Award | |
| 2024 | Merchah | Best Music Artist of the Year | |
| 2024 | Shano Index | Best New Artist of the Year | |
| 2024 | ChawaBeats | Best Music Producer of the Year | |
| 2024 | Prince Chitz & Merchah | Best Music Video of the Year (Zamawa) | |
| 2024 | Bilton Kayange | Best Visual Artist of the Year | |
| 2024 | Director Tonny | Best Video Director of the Year | |
| 2024 | Upie Collection | Best Fashion Designer of the Year | |
| 2024 | Motte Jezz | Best Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year | |
| 2024 | Merchah | Best Afro/RnB Artist of the Year | |
| 2024 | Mzuzu Mafia | Best Hip-hop Artists of the Year | |
| 2024 | Ligo B & Emtee | Best Comedic Performer of the Year | |
| 2024 | Faith Music | Best Urban Gospel Artist of the Year | |
| 2024 | Maria Nundwe | Best Local Gospel Artist of the Year | |
| 2024 | Agness Munthali | Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year | |
| 2024 | Lumbani Gerald Khembo | Young Male Entrepreneur of the Year | |
| 2024 | Target Private Secondary School | Education Institution of the Year – Secondary Level | |
| 2024 | Moses Mzumala | Sportsman of the Year | |
| 2024 | Florence Chavula | Sportswoman of the Year | |
| 2024 | Mzuzu City Hammers | Best Sports Team of the Year | |
| 2024 | Uchindami Msowoya | Best Radio Personality of the Year | |
| 2024 | Chisomo Manda | Best TV Personality of the Year | |
| 2024 | AG Photography | Best Photographer of the Year | |
| 2024 | Chimwemwe Banda | Gender Equality Champion of the Year | |
| 2024 | Katoto SuperMarket | Regional Excellence Catalyst Award | |
| 2024 | Dr Judith Mkwaila | Lifetime Achievement Award |
Impact
[edit]The awards have promoted northern Malawian identity in the national arts industry.[9][10] They have also provided opportunities for lesser-known artists to gain recognition at national and international levels. Media coverage from outlets such as Times Media[2] and Zodiak Broadcasting Station has sped the prestige of the awards.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 Online, Nation (17 December 2024). "Northern Region stars get honours". Nation Online. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Mpoto Awards laments support". The Times Group. 16 December 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ↑ "Mpoto Awards to honor exceptional achievers from the North". Capital Radio Malawi. 14 November 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ↑ Umali, Romeo (5 September 2024). "Mpoto Awards set for November". Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- 1 2 3 "Mpoto Awards back with second edition". The Times Group. 15 November 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ↑ Mulungu, Burnet ArQnutrient. "Mzuzu Music Awards 2022 Archives". Baobab Entertainment. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ↑ "Ulalo Supports Mpoto Awards". Ulalo. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ↑ "Mpoto awards honor Doctor Judith Mkwaila". Capital Radio Malawi. 15 December 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ↑ Mulungu, Burnet ArQnutrient (17 September 2023). "Baobab Entertainment and Mpoto Awards' Joins to Organize Music Distribution and Marketing Training". Baobab Entertainment. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ↑ Mphande, Vicky (31 October 2024). "NORTHERN REGION'S FINEST TO SHINE AT MPOTO AWARDS". ProjectM. Retrieved 3 October 2025.