Those nominated for this female-only category female are Tunosiwe Mwakalinga, popularly known as Tuno, as well as Sangie and Fortress. It is only in the best female category where names of women are vividly clear.
Some quarters have described the development as pathetic for the local music industry. As the country is fighting for gender balance, it is encouraged that all sectors should exhibit such efforts.
“I stand to be corrected, but most deserving female artists have been overlooked,” said Victoria Nzima.
Despite a clear indication that the awards have ignored women in urban music, organisers insists that nominations were made in a fair manner.
Below is the full list of nominees (with bold indicating female nominees)
Artist of the Year
Fredokiss
Gwamba
Suffix
Tay Grin
Piksy
Music Video of the Year
‘Lubwa’ – Tay Grin
‘Kusasa Mau’ – Gwamba
‘Ndendende’ – Janta
‘No one’ – Sonye ft Tuno
‘Temporary’ – Lackie ft Teddy
Music Video Director of the Year
Essim
Mest Media
Ron Cz
VJ Ice
VJ Ken
Album of the Year
Mady P – Chi One Tambala
Provoice – Knock It 1986
Seven O’ More – Yr2099
Sonye – Somewhere in Africa
Suffix – Before I Sleep
Song of the Year
Macelba ft Saint – ‘Maluzi’
Malinga Mafia – ‘Vuto Si Ine’
Piksy – ‘Umakwana’
Tay Grin – ‘Lubwa’
Wikise – ‘Uli Nzinga?’
Collaboration of the Year
Gwamba ft Fredokiss – ‘Nthawi Zanji’
Macelba ft Saint – ‘Maluzi
Martse ft Bucci – ‘Dosage’
Saint ft JJC – ‘Friends’
Toast ft Eli Njuchi – ‘Hakuna Matata’
Best New Act
Eli Njuchi
Lackie
Man Chi
Mazz o Penga
Teddy
Best Female Act
Hazel Mak
Hilco
Kim of Diamonds
Sangie
Tuno
Producer of the Year
BFB
Gaffar
Henwood
Janta
DJ Sley
Best Urban Gospel
Gwamba
Kelvin Sings
Saxess
Shammah Vocals
Suffix
Best Hip Hop Artist/Group
Fredokiss
Seven O’ More
Macelba
Suffix
Toast
Best Dancehall Artist/Group
Jay Jay Cee
Mady P
Malinga Mafia
Purple C
Provoice
Best R&B/Afropop Artist/Group
Bucci
Kelly Kay
Kelvin Sings
Teddy
Tuno
Best Band
Black Missionaries
Mibawa Band
Mizu band
Soul Raiders
Zathu Band
Best Duo/Group
Bossaro
Daredevilz
Fortress
Mabilinganya Empire
W Twice
Best Live Act
Faith Mussa
Fredokiss
Gwamba
Suffix
Tay Grin
Best SADC International Act
AKA
Cassper Nyovest
Diamond Platinumz
King Monada
Nasty C
Lifetime Achievement
Lucius Banda
Best Afro-soul Artist/Group
Faith Mussa
Lawi
Lulu
Patience Namadingo
Shammah Vocals
Humanitarian Award
To be announced