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. Established to celebrate northern Malawian talent, the awards have become a platform for showcasing local artists, filmmakers, and cultural figures.
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, Merchar and cultural activists from the northern districts of Rumphi, Mzimba, and Karonga.
History 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. The awards expanded from music categories to include film, media personalities, sports figures, and community leaders.
Categories 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
Full list of winners This is the list of winners for major Mpoto Awards categories:
Source:
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 The awards have promoted northern Malawian identity in the national arts industry. 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 and Zodiak Broadcasting Station has sped the prestige of the awards.
See also
Malawi Music Awards
References