Talk about having a year full of new raw talent that graced our television screens and kept us bumping to unique musical sounds that broke new barriers for Zambia both locally and internationally.
This year, the Ngoma Awards which were held at Mulungushi Conference Centre returned after six years for its 16th impression and gave the entertainers and artists the awards they deserved.
The Annual Zambian Arts award ceremony had seven categories from which our winners emerged which were creative writing, stage theatre, community theatre, music, traditional music and dance, visual arts and media arts.
From the nominees and winners, we had both men and women that became household names throughout the country for their exceptional talent and sound.
If you are a Zambian music fanatic, 2019 has been a year full of bangers that had everyone on their feet as hits kept coming one after the other from both upcoming artists and the all-time favourites.
Yo Maps (Elton Mulenga) who is Zambia’s cupid brought many people together with his song, Finally which took the award for Song of the Year as anticipated by fans.
I am honoured and thankful to fans that have supported my work and am humbled by their votes which have motivated me to make more music.
Said Yo Maps.
My advice to upcoming artists is that music is like a journey with no destination, it just keeps going so they need to be strong.
From the category Album of the Year, T-Sean (Richard Mulenga) took the award for his album, Grateful.
T-Sean who is the self-proclaimed “king of the dancehall” has produced hit songs since 2012 and this year was no different with songs such as ‘speedometer’, ‘Balance It Up’ and ‘Wagwaan’ which were and still are topping the music charts in the country.
A category that stirred up some drama is the Most outstanding Comedian which went to Abel Chungu Musuka.
Social media was buzzing with comments which said the award should have gone to Emmanuel Munsaka for various reasons spearheaded by the fact that Abel is an established gospel artist as well.
I am humbled by winning the award and knowing that people actually voted for me…having a particular job is not something that someone should be limited to and people expect predictable things of which I am not.
Said Abel Chungu Musuka.
When it comes to television series, Mpali and Zuba both became Zambian favourites almost overnight with their heartwarming and groundbreaking storylines which kept viewers at the edge of their seats as they awaited the winner of this category.
An upcoming poet who was in attendance shared her experience during the awards.
I thought I was going to pass out from anxiousness as I am a big fan of both shows but I was delighted with the results from this category.
Trina Mwanza.
With characters that are relatable to our daily lives and an interpretation of Zambian culture, Mpali took the award for Most Outstanding Television Series.
Its main character, Mr Nguzu, which is played by Monde Mutale attained the Most Outstanding Media Artist.
In attendance at the Ngoma Awards was the Justice Minister, Given Lubinda who represented the government and supported the event.
The Ngoma Awards, that are organized by the National Arts Council of Zambia to recognize the nation’s artistic talent and are Zambia’s only official national artistic honours and awards that cover a wide range of categories.