• SLAP Dee shows one of his three awards last Saturday during the Zambia Music Awards at Lusaka’s Government complex. Picture by Sam Phiri

By SAM PHIRI –

IT is undisputable that Zambia’s well-liked Hip Hop pin-up Slap Dee is enjoying the benefit of leading applauds in Zambian music when he bagged three Awards during the recently held prestigious Zambia Music Awards.
As the case last years, the highly anticipated and equally liked Macky 2 walked away with no accolade whatsoever though his performance was enough to send a message to his fans that even without an award; he remains ‘Macky 2.’
The soaring Slap Dee walked away with, Best Hip Hop/Rap Album, Best Mainstream Album, and Best Male Mainstream Album.
He however, looked reserved this time around as evidenced by the less time and excitement spent on stage.
Like last year, Awards eluded the Kopala swag coiner Macky 2, although he managed to get the Song of the Year Award which this year was bagged by the Kumwesu collaboration of Chef, Pilato and Afunika.
Roberto managed to get two awards in the category of Best R&B and Best Song Writer.
The other deserving accolades went to the Best Live Recording Album which was undoubtedly waved towards the Sakala Brother’s Born in Matero.
Who could possibly beat that? James Chamanyazi Ngoma walked away with the Best Kalindula Award while the Best Band accolade was scooped by the celebrated Amayenge Asoza Band.
The Best Jazz Album award went to Uncle Rex scoops who was alone in that category while Best reggae album went unopposed to Keith
Kapembwa.
The Best Beat Album went to Afunika’s Chimusebo. In 2013, the prestigious accolade of Best Mainstream Female eluded
Judy and favored Mampi but it wasn’t the case this year as Judy managed to bag the prestigious award.
Popular music producer Ben Blazer was the recipient of this year’s Best Studio Producer Award and all seemed certain among the audience members the previous night at Hotel Intercontinental who started shouting out his name even before he was declared winner.
One interesting thing about this year’s Mosi Awards was the fact that they were surrounded with less controversy prior to the function as was the case last year.
In fact this year, the well planned event saw more gospel artistes attend and being awarded than the previous year.
This is somewhat suggesting that the Awards are cutting across the board.
Hip Hop Gospel star Pompi imaged as the winner in the category of Best Male Gospel Artiste while his female Gospel counterpart Karen bagged the Best Female accolade.
The Best Gospel album accolade shifted from last year’s holder to now Mag 44. For those that are coming in the limelight with great emphasis, it was surely a well deserved platform to be at.
Alphonso commonly known as Muzo walked away with the prestigious Best New artiste Award.
Sir Jones scooped the Best Guitarist Award while the Best Keyboard Player Award was given to Blessington Malenga. Mumba Yacht walked away with the Best Traditional Album.
Despite missing out on the accolades, Ruffkaida was a marvel to watch during the performance time. His unique stage presence was simply superb attracting a standing ovation!
Roberta was not bad too with a dancer besides him. The King of the Kopala swag and the well-loved Macky 2 was equally a wow factor on stage such that a standing ovation was befitting for him.
The Awards would certainly have been incomplete without recognizing the efforts of the club and radio DJs behinds the decks!
ZNBC’s Herbert Mutabi aka DJ Dazo scooped the Best Male Radio DJ Award while his female counterpart Matian Chigwedere ( Lady MC) scooped the Best Female Radio DJ Award.
Late Father Miyha was also posthumously recognised for his contribution in the music sector as he was accorded a lifetime
Achievement Award.
Overall, the multi million Kwacha Zambian Breweries and National Arts Council of Zambia Awards seems to have planted its firm roots in Zambia and one would not wait to see what the next season will bring out. Just lake last year, the award was one befitting the undertone “PRESTIGIOUS”