![Thom Chiumia : Beffta Journalist of the Year]()
Malawi has dominated this year’s prestigious Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television, Arts and Sports Awards (BEFFTA) astoundingly scooping five medal awards at an alluring ceremony held at the weekend at Central Hall Westminster in London.
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![Dama Phuru of Dama Fashion was decorated with a Beffta award]()
Dama Phiri of Dama Fashion was decorated with a Beffta award[/caption]
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![Thom Chiumia : Beffta Journalist of the Year]()
Thom Chiumia : Beffta Journalist of the Year[/caption]
Malawians subjugated the glamorous and glitzy 7th BEFFTA awards with a staggering eight nominations in total in an assortment of categories and came tops with five Malawians taking home the medals at the star-studded event which attracted superstars and Very Important Personalities (VIPs) drawn from the US, Africa, Canada, UK, the Caribbean and the rest of Europe turned up in large numbers as BEFFTA honoured and celebrated global talented personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television, arts and sports.
Malawi’s leading online news source,
Nyasa Times was named ahead of many online publications as the best online publication of the year while its editorial director and columnist, Thom Chiumia was decorated as the journalist of year beating hordes of journalists from across the globe.
Nyasa Times and Chiumia were honoured for their significant contributions in reporting news without fear to their readers not only in Malawi but across the globe.
Accepting the award, the charming and self-deprecating journalist Chiumia who is a writer for the hard-hitting column,
Loose Cannon said: “We media practitioners brag that the pen is mightier than the sword, tonight a Beffta will ink that pen to be more mightier...”
Chiumia said he informed
Nyasa Times CEO Edgar Chibaka about the awards through a text same night and he expressed “delight”.
He said
Nyasa Times will celebrate 10 anniversary next year and the Beffa accolade could not have come at a better time than now.
Malawi ethnomusicologist and Afro jazz music prodigy, Wambali Mkandawire was honoured with an award as Africa’s music legend and his award was accepted in his absence by Thom Chiumia.
Wambali Mkandawire told
Nyasa Times that he was delighted and thrilled but humbled for the great honour bestowed on him by BEFFTA.
“I am so honoured to receive this award. I am so humbled. It is very heartening to be recognized at a world stage. This achievement is not for me alone but for Malawi as a country and the entire African continent,” said Wambali.
‘Special Moment’
Birmingham based Malawian stylist and fashion designer Dama Phiri was decorated as the best fashion designer of the year.
Another Malawian, Gertrude Chirambo, the ward counsellor for Blantyre City Centre, Namalimwe and former Vice chairperson for Malawi Association UK received a honourary Leadership Excellency award for her humanitarian and charitable contributions to the world.
The Leadership and Excellency award which Chirambo received was previously given to British actor and comedian Sir Lenny Henry, legendary British Broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonalds and America’s music mogul and celebrated producer Quincy Jones.
Chirambo, who is now based in Malawi accepting her award, thanked BEFFTA for the great honour saying that she was pleased to receive the award adding that the award was for the people of Malawi who she strives to serve.
“It is an honour for me, but this moment is much bigger than me. This moment is for all the people who I serve, this moment is for the people who believe in me. This great moment is for the great women and children of Malawi and the UK, and all the people that stand beside me,” said Chirambo.
Added Chirambo: “This moment is for all the people who I serve. This moment is for every Malawian out there. It is a moment for every nameless, faceless woman, man and child of colour that now has a chance to be recognized as I have been; this special moment is about humanity.”
Pamtengo Radio, MC Chijota, photographer Dave Sazuze, Miss Malawi UK director, Kondi Bowoyeke Munthali, Hair stylists Phyllis ‘Sweetjuice’ Chipojola and Thungeya ‘Lady Boss’ Nhlane, journalist Vinjeru Mkandawire, former beauty queens Alexina Phiri and Rose Mmangisa were all nominated for BEFFTA awards but did not take home the gongs.
Malawi’s hip hop star Limbani Kaliani best known as Tay Grin in the music echelons won the a BEFFTA award in 2014 as the best African Music act of the year.
BEFFTA Awards during the ceremony also honoured football legend and former Chelsea football Didier Drogba, the twice African footballer of the year but now plying his trade in the US with a special honorary award 'The Beffta Humanitarian Award'.
The world famous striker, Drogba, founded Didier Drogba Foundation which helps educate thousands of children in Ivory Coast.
Drogba spoke to the audience through a video link.
Europe’s biggest award ceremony was established in 2009 with an aim to celebrate black and ethnic personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts is set to release a special edition of BEFFTA magazine called BEFFTA Hall Of Fame Edition.
BEFFTA awards was founded by entrepreneur, TV presenter and philanthropist Pauline Long to celebrate greatness within the African and Caribbean community and fully funded by the media personality.
“This year is extremely special, we have gone an extra mile to recognise more talent and in the spirit of giving back to the community everybody including the nominees will receive special prizes,” said Pauline Long.
Unearthing talent in Malawi: E-Wallet[/caption]
The launching ceremony is slated for Saturday 24th October, 2015 at the M-Theatre located at the Chichiri Shopping Centre in the Commercial City of Blantyre.
E-Wallet Project Manager Anthony Kafuwa told Nyasa Times on Thursday that only 250 VIP tickets are up for grab and are going at K5,000.00 each.
"We are set for the launch on Saturday and it will start at 8pm sharp. We are selling 250 seats only all VIP and we are asking patrons to dress in smart casual" Kafuwa said.
According to Kafuwa, the organizers have negotiated with other business entities around Chichiri Shopping Centre to extend their operating hours and to give special rates to those that will patronize the E-Wallet show.
Tickets can be purchased at Kips Restaurant.
Kafuwa has however called upon all fun seekers to be at M-Theatre and patronise what promises to be a gallant greatest launch ever.
"We are urging people in Blantyre and surrounding areas to come out this day and experience a great treat" he said.
Meanwhile, all contestants have converged at Monarchy Square in Blantyre where they are undergoing a coaching session by Chancellor College lecturer Alinane Mphande and musician Patience Namadingo who will be the guest artist during the launch.
The contestants were ferried to Blantyre courtesy of Premier Bus Service.
Tay Grin rapping in Manchester[/caption]
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Tay Grin in Madison Lounge[/caption]
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On stage in Madisob Lounge Tay Grin[/caption]
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Thrilling fun seekers in a Manchester club, Tay Grin[/caption]
In a fully packed club, the award winning singer gave the fun seekers from different nationalities a good treat.
“Is this singer Malawian? You lie-oh, he is good,” remarked Nigerian, Sunday Okeke.
“I have enjoyed my night. I always come to Madison for fun on Saturday’s but this has been a special day,” said a Manchester lady Kelly Page.
Asked if she understood the songs, Page said: “Yes, clearly I can even sing, two by two [2by2 hit song].”
UK-based Malawian fashion designer Dama Phiri of Dama Fashion hailed Tay Grin for his performance and made Malawians proud of their talented singer.
Indeed the Malawian rapper, real name Limbani Kalilani, gave energetic performance and he didn’t disappoint the fans who came out to see him.
Tay Grin told Nyasa Times that he was “delighted” with a “lively patronage” who sang along with him despite most of them not being Malawians.
“There were some Malawians, I thank them for their support, but the majority were English, Nigerians, Congolese, Zambians and other nationalities.
“They all enjoyed the performance. It was fantastic night, really a massive show.”
Tay Grin who performed and was co-host at Miss Malawi UK show on October 3 in Northampton said he also met Nigerian artist 2Face and held talks on music project involving Malawi and Nigeria artists.
Tay Grin, also known as 'Nyau King', is Malawi's number one hip hop star and last year scooped the Best International African gong at the Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts awards in London.
Lira to perform at Blue Mingoli[/caption]
According to an official itinerary seen by Nyasa Times Lira will jet in at 12:45 pm at Kamuzu International Airport before holding a press conference at Standard Bank Malawi head offices at 15:00 pm.
Lira is later expected to interact with the bank’s employees and sign autographs, ahead of the Saturday concert which Standard Bank says is going to be memorable.
The musician, who performs together with a four-member group called the Love Band said she looks forward to entertaining a new audience.
“I look forward to share my music with a new audience--Malawi has been on my bucket list for some time and I’m so excited that I can finally visit,” she said.
Lira is expected to jet in with her four member Love Band comprising keyboardist Vicky “Mavikaro” Mngomezulu,bassist Earl "Breezy" Baartman, guitarist Kenton Lee Windvogel and drummer/vocalist Joshua "JStar" Zacheus.
The quartet has been collaborating with Lira for over 10 years.
Lira and her band will size up with Malawi’s contemporary hit maker Lawrence Khwisa, aka Lulu who is the supporting musician
Lira in Malawi[/caption]
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Lira being interviwed on arrival in Malawi[/caption]
“I am very excited to be in Malawi. People should expect more thrill from me
At the E-wallet show[/caption]
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A contestant performing[/caption]
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Part of the audience at E-Wallet[/caption]
Initially, 14 contestants were picked to battle it out at national level from all the three regions of Malawi but only 12 will participate in this year’s competition.
According to the organizers, the two had to pull out one due to family issues and the other one to avoid conflict of interest as the contestant works for Zodiak Broadcasting Station who are the organizing partners.
In an interview with Nyasa Times, E-Wallet Chairperson Felix Njawala described the launch as a great success.
“It was a great start and I am happy that the audience enjoyed. I noticed that the show attracted people of all races,” said Njawala
Njawala predicted fireworks in the next show to be held after a fortnight where four contestants will be evicted.
“Surely it will be an emotional one as well as competitive since all the contestants will be fighting hard to reach the next stage,” he said.
Speaking at the function, Zodiak’s Managing Director Gospel Kazako, encouraged the contestants and all Malawian youths to have confidence and belief in themselves when doing everything in life.
“Every great person we know in this world was once not great. My message to the youths of Malawi is to build themselves. One day we will have people who the whole world will be talking about; they must feel they can do it and they should as well expect challenges in life there will always be challenges” said Kazako.
He therefore pledged continued support towards the unearthing of various talents from Malawian youths through activities like the E-Wallet music competition.
Kazako further urged Malawians to encourage the youths in whatever good things they do so that they can achieve more.
“In activities like E-wallet, people who participates are the youth and they need courage. Some fail what they can do due to lack of encouragement” he said
If what was displayed during Saturdays show is anything to go by, people should expect a highly competitive competition this year.
The show will also be beamed on Zodiak Television to give all Malawians a chance to experience and have a feel of great musical talent that is in Malawian youths.
High Commissioner Mphonda and Maheca officials- Photo courtesy of Okongola AMalawi[/caption]
A UK based Malawian public health care charitable organisation, Malawi Health Care Support (MAHECAS) organised the event, as part of its annual gala.
The well patronised red-carpet event, the Mahecas Dinner and Dance was organised and hosted by Malawi Queens Health and Education Project (MQHEP) an altruistic grouping of Malawian women which started as a social network assemblage on Facebook.
‘Spirit of giving’
Mahecas UK whose primary aim is mobilise support for the health care system in Malawi is this year celebrating its 20 years centenary amid strong calls to Malawians in the UK for their support to the needy and the suffering especially cancer patients.
They kick-started their two decades of existence as a charity on February 7th 2015 with a pre-Valentine Dinner and Dance which was held at Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel in Kent which was also organised by Malawi Queens on behalf of Mahecas. Then they have another party at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester.
In his keynote address, Malawi High Commissioner to the UK, Kena Mphonda expressed deep and profound gratitude to Mahecas UK on behalf of President Peter Mutharika and the government for its continued support and commitment in providing resources for the health care system in Malawi.
Mphonda said government expects the Diaspora community to take part in national development and hence the establishment of Diaspora Desk in the Foreign Affairs Ministry to enhance engagement.
Said Mphonda later in an interview: “It doesn’t matter how little we give, it is the spirit of giving that matters most. As Malawians in the Diaspora we must always strive to thrive in giving a helping hand to the people back home.”
The Malawian envoy explained that the ultimate objective of the government is to eradicate poverty and improve the health care system and in the long run create a better Malawi for all and position the country on the thoroughfare of sustainable development.
‘Votes Of Thanks’
In her remarks Mahecas chairperson Dr Milika Matiti thanked the people their continued support in helping her organisation in its effort in assisting in the provision of medical supplies and equipment.
Matiti emphasized that Mahecas is not a charity for doctors or medical professionals only as others widely believe, saying Mahecas is for everybody.
“I would like to highlight and underline that Mahecas is not for medical personnel, it is for us all and thus I implore all of you and everybody to take a leading role.”
In the opening remarks, Malawi Queens UK chairperson Emily Kamwendo hailed Mahecas for leading the role in soliciting funds, providing medical equipment and supplies to hospitals and for giving support to cancer patients in Malawi.
“As Malawi Queens UK we feel have a role to play in helping out back home and organising functions such as these for Mahecas is an honour for us but ultimately we thank Malawians for the support,” said Kamwendo.
Mahecas UK was formed in 1995 and since then been a pioneering force mobilising Malawians and friends of Malawi in the UK in supporting the health care system in Malawi and has well established fundraising activities such as annual Dinner and Dance, annual big walk and a yearly international food tasting day.
According to Dr Matiti , Mahecas is currently working on a cancer project in Malawi which is grave concern in the Southern African country causing tremendous morbidity and mortality due to lack of comprehensive care.
“Almost 9,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed every year.” said Matiti, “However, this may be due to lack of good cancer diagnostic services, minimal early detection (screening) treatment and palliative care,”
Cancer is when abnormal cells divide in an uncontrolled way and some cancers may eventually spread into other tissues.
There are more than 200 different types of cancer.
Malawi Association UK (MAUK), an umbrella body for all Malawian charitable organisations in the UK attended the Dinner and Dance and was represented by almost the entire executive committee led by chairman Martin Guga, vice chairman Thom Chiumia, secretary general Stepheson Mbewe, executive members who included Hanna Chasowa, Cosagne Kachingwe and Peter Makossa.
MAUK donated the proceeds of the Malawi achievers awards in 2014 to Mahecas UK who later used the money for medical equipment in Malawi.
Guga told Nyasa Times that he was very pleased with Mahecas’s good work and pledged MAUK’s support in its endeavours.
“We at MAUK are very thrilled with the way Mahecas conducts itself. This is encouraging and we appeal to all Malawians in the UK to continue supporting the needy and the suffering through credible Malawian charities such as Mahecas,” said Guga
London based Malawian human rights lawyer Jarvis Matiya said it was a just cause.
"The battle against cancer is ongoing and we must face it head on. The hustle against this marauding and killer disease is real, and far from over," said Matiya.
Gwamba performing with Tigris[/caption]
In an interview Gwamba said the new album is a symbol of growth in his music career.
“I have to say that I believe I have really grown within the years and this album really shows my growth in music composition and arrangement.
“I have worked with various veteran musicians who have helped me to grow as well as learn new things in terms of good music.” He said.
Gwamba real name Duncan Zgambo, whose first album titled “Kudutsa Pakhoma”, that was released last year has made him a household name especially among the youth, says it is all about hard work and trust in one's ability that has brought him this far.
The 14 songs titled album will be spiced by some of the major names in music circles like Soldier Lucius Banda, Tay Grin, Nepman, Patience Namadingo, Lulu, Third Eye, Young Kay and Black Jack among others.
“This album launch is about how much I have grown as an artist. Prime Time Media, especially Mr. Edward Kankhomba helped me a lot to grow and left me in a position where the rest became easier. I owe him a lot,” he said.
The talented rapper is no longer with Prime Time Media, as he is now a co-owner of Soul Rebel Entertainment.
Some Gwamba's well known songs include, “Ndiima Pachulu”, “Nabola Kusache”, “Ndidikila' and “Tikakumane ku Madzi”.
Dama Phiri of Dama Fashion was decorated with a Beffta award[/caption]
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Thom Chiumia : Beffta Journalist of the Year[/caption]
Malawians subjugated the glamorous and glitzy 7th BEFFTA awards with a staggering eight nominations in total in an assortment of categories and came tops with five Malawians taking home the medals at the star-studded event which attracted superstars and Very Important Personalities (VIPs) drawn from the US, Africa, Canada, UK, the Caribbean and the rest of Europe turned up in large numbers as BEFFTA honoured and celebrated global talented personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television, arts and sports.
Malawi’s leading online news source, Nyasa Times was named ahead of many online publications as the best online publication of the year while its editorial director and columnist, Thom Chiumia was decorated as the journalist of year beating hordes of journalists from across the globe.
Nyasa Times and Chiumia were honoured for their significant contributions in reporting news without fear to their readers not only in Malawi but across the globe.
Accepting the award, the charming and self-deprecating journalist Chiumia who is a writer for the hard-hitting column, Loose Cannon said: “We media practitioners brag that the pen is mightier than the sword, tonight a Beffta will ink that pen to be more mightier...”
Chiumia said he informed Nyasa Times CEO Edgar Chibaka about the awards through a text same night and he expressed “delight”.
He said Nyasa Times will celebrate 10 anniversary next year and the Beffa accolade could not have come at a better time than now.
Malawi ethnomusicologist and Afro jazz music prodigy, Wambali Mkandawire was honoured with an award as Africa’s music legend and his award was accepted in his absence by Thom Chiumia.
Wambali Mkandawire told Nyasa Times that he was delighted and thrilled but humbled for the great honour bestowed on him by BEFFTA.
“I am so honoured to receive this award. I am so humbled. It is very heartening to be recognized at a world stage. This achievement is not for me alone but for Malawi as a country and the entire African continent,” said Wambali.
‘Special Moment’
Birmingham based Malawian stylist and fashion designer Dama Phiri was decorated as the best fashion designer of the year.
Another Malawian, Gertrude Chirambo, the ward counsellor for Blantyre City Centre, Namalimwe and former Vice chairperson for Malawi Association UK received a honourary Leadership Excellency award for her humanitarian and charitable contributions to the world.
The Leadership and Excellency award which Chirambo received was previously given to British actor and comedian Sir Lenny Henry, legendary British Broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonalds and America’s music mogul and celebrated producer Quincy Jones.
Chirambo, who is now based in Malawi accepting her award, thanked BEFFTA for the great honour saying that she was pleased to receive the award adding that the award was for the people of Malawi who she strives to serve.
“It is an honour for me, but this moment is much bigger than me. This moment is for all the people who I serve, this moment is for the people who believe in me. This great moment is for the great women and children of Malawi and the UK, and all the people that stand beside me,” said Chirambo.
Added Chirambo: “This moment is for all the people who I serve. This moment is for every Malawian out there. It is a moment for every nameless, faceless woman, man and child of colour that now has a chance to be recognized as I have been; this special moment is about humanity.”
Pamtengo Radio, MC Chijota, photographer Dave Sazuze, Miss Malawi UK director, Kondi Bowoyeke Munthali, Hair stylists Phyllis ‘Sweetjuice’ Chipojola and Thungeya ‘Lady Boss’ Nhlane, journalist Vinjeru Mkandawire, former beauty queens Alexina Phiri and Rose Mmangisa were all nominated for BEFFTA awards but did not take home the gongs.
Malawi’s hip hop star Limbani Kaliani best known as Tay Grin in the music echelons won the a BEFFTA award in 2014 as the best African Music act of the year.
BEFFTA Awards during the ceremony also honoured football legend and former Chelsea football Didier Drogba, the twice African footballer of the year but now plying his trade in the US with a special honorary award 'The Beffta Humanitarian Award'.
The world famous striker, Drogba, founded Didier Drogba Foundation which helps educate thousands of children in Ivory Coast.
Drogba spoke to the audience through a video link.
Europe’s biggest award ceremony was established in 2009 with an aim to celebrate black and ethnic personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts is set to release a special edition of BEFFTA magazine called BEFFTA Hall Of Fame Edition.
BEFFTA awards was founded by entrepreneur, TV presenter and philanthropist Pauline Long to celebrate greatness within the African and Caribbean community and fully funded by the media personality.
“This year is extremely special, we have gone an extra mile to recognise more talent and in the spirit of giving back to the community everybody including the nominees will receive special prizes,” said Pauline Long.
Cassper Nyovest and Malawian producer Gemini Major.[/caption]
The announcement was made on Friday, 30 October through the event’s twitter page
Sharon Tembo : Running[/caption]
Sharon said she is “thrilled” with her debut single which will be available for download from various online music stores from Friday,27thNovember 2015 including iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify.(Pre-order from 15th November, 2015).
The inspirational track is written in the perspective from God’s heart, to man and is guaranteed to appeal and relate to people of all walks of life and ages, according to CoHeir Records which is managing her.
The single balances a mix of multiple genres for a uniquely wrought sound, the record label said.
Even though the debut single 'Running' is the introduction of Sharon Tembo to some, others will view this as her next big step after becoming popular among various circles following an increasing number of invitations for performances and worship ministrations all over the United Kingdom.
Since a young age, Sharon has had a passion for music up until 2012 when she began to seriously make her mark in the music world by showcasing her talents in different scenes including, progressing to regional finals of the UK's Open Mic music competition in Liverpool, performing at Christmas lighting events, weddings, gospel events and other functions.
'Running' which displays Sharon's undeniable talent of song writing, composing as well as singing is one of the many songs that she has written and composed and will also be featured on her upcoming album ‘Victory’ which is set to be released in 2016.
Fast facts
Sharon Tembo, born on 18th April 1995, is second born in her family in which she has 3 brothers, who are all musical.
Sharon is currently in her final year at University where she is studying Biomedical Science BSc(Hons).
She is a worship leader at the Rock International Worship Centre, in Bolton, United Kingdom.
