Urban Music People Awards (UMP Awards) organizers have made it a point to promote women in this year`s episode in the wake of the 50:50 gender campaign.
Over the years, women had been getting a raw deal in the UMP Awards which raised complaints from the public.
“We have embarked on a mission to support and promote the role of women in Malawi music, arts and culture under the “50:50 Initiative for Women Empowerment in Music and Arts,” reads part of the press statement.
According to the organizers, this year`s edition of the recognition ceremony will see splitting of key categories by gender. The slots earmarked for splitting are artist of the year, best hip hop act, best dancehall act, and best r‘n’b act.
The development has excited Malawi`s female artists who have cited its power to bridge the bias gap which has denied deserving females from earning recognitions.
UMP events will run from August to December. According to their calendar of events, the fashion week will be the first and sports awards will come out last.
The Fashion Awards will be held on 31st August in the capital Lilongwe then on 9th November, Blantyre will host the Music Awards followed by Media Awards on 10th November. Lastly, Lilongwe will host the Sports Awards on 29th December.
