Nyasa Music Awards


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:

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

Recipients

List of selected recipients and years:
CategoryNominee / work ResultReference
Song of the YearFaith Mussa
Janta – Wangongole
Won
Best Hip Hop ArtistFredokiss Won
Best Gospel ArtistFaith Mussa Won
Best R&B Artist of the yearKell Kay
Kell Kay
Won
Best Reggae ArtistBlack Missionaries Won
Best Secular ArtistNepman Won
Best Acoustic ArtistFaith Mussa Won
Best ProducerAK on the board Won
Best Male ArtistTay Grin Won
Best Female ArtistZani Challe Won
Best Afro pop ArtistStitch Fray Won
Best GroupZathu Band Won
Best Female BroadcasterJean Chalungama Won
Best Live ActFaith Mussa Won
Best Video DirectorSukez Won
Album of the YearLawi – Sunset in the Sky Won
Best New ComerEpisodes Won
Best Dancehall artist of the yearMalinga Mafia Won
Best collaboration of the yearTsidya lina – Hyphen ft Malinga Mafia Won
Best Live ActFaith Mussa Won

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.