Nyasa Music Awards are Malawian music awards that were established in early 2017 to celebrate entertainers and other minorities in music, fashion and philanthropy. The annual presentation event that takes place in major cities of the country features performances by artists and they are one of the major Malawi's music industry awards. The event recognizes Malawian music from all genres, including traditional, soul, and gospel. The awards also promote culture, with the 2017 event host of an African Print party that encourages people to showcase their traditional outfits. The awards include media sister awards and its categories are split into male and female.
List of ceremonies The 2018 inaugural ceremony was held at Comesa Hall in Blantyre. The 2019 NMA took place on December 14 at Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre, Malawi. The ceremony included fashion and media categories. Ben Wandawanda won the Fashion Icon award, and Jai Banda won the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Current award categories
Music Source: Song of the Year Best Hip Hop Act Best Dancehall Act Album of the Year Artist of the Year (Female) Artist of the Year (Male) Music Video of the Year Best Gospel Artist Best New Artist (Female) Best New Artist (Male) Producer of the Year Best Duo/Group Lifetime Achievement
Media Source:
Best TV personality Media Legend Best Radio DJ/Personality Best Entertainment writer
Fashion
Model of the Year Living Legend Fashion Icon Most Fashionable Celebrity Designer of the Year
Host Cities Year Country Host city Venue Host(s)2017MalawiBlantyre Golf ClubJoy Nathu2018MalawiComesa Hall, BlantyreGolf ClubChifundo Maganga2019MalawiLilongweBICC Recipients List of selected recipients and years: Category Nominee / work (and year)Result ReferenceSong of the YearFaith Mussa (2017) Janta – Wangongole (2018)Best Hip Hop ArtistFredokiss (2018)Best Gospel ArtistFaith Mussa (2018)Best R&B Artist of the yearKell Kay (2018) Kell Kay (2017)Best Reggae Artist Black Missionaries (2018)Best Secular Artist Nepman (2018)Best Acoustic Artist Faith Mussa (2018)Best ProducerAK on the board (2018)Best Male Artist Tay Grin (2018)Best Female Artist Zani Challe (2018)Best Afro pop Artist Stitch Fray (2018)Best GroupZathu Band (2018)Best Female BroadcasterJean Chalungama (2018)Best Live ActFaith Mussa (2018)Best Video DirectorSukez (2018)Album of the YearLawi – Sunset in the Sky (2018)Best New ComerEpisodes (2018)Best Dancehall artist of the yearMalinga Mafia (2018)Best collaboration of the yearTsidya lina – Hyphen ft Malinga Mafia (2018)Best Live ActFaith Mussa (2017)
Controversies On 29 March 2018, the Nyasa Music Awards faced public criticism when it selected the South African television personality Somizi Somgaga Mhlongo to host the year’s awards. Homophobic Malawians slammed the awards choice as the host is known to be openly gay.
See also Music of Malawi References