By Chisomo Phiri

The Urban Music People (UMP) has assured Malawians that the organisation remains committed to developing the local music industry despite facing numerous challenges over the past year.

Speaking at the 2025 UMP Awards on Tuesday night in Blantyre, UMP Media and Communications Officer Edgar M’baluku said the organisation is currently reflecting on its performance, identifying both successes and shortcomings, as it prepares for the next phase of its work.

“As UMP, we are taking time to sit back and strategise. We are reviewing where we have excelled and where we have fallen short.

“We want to assure Malawians that we are not done yet. We still have a lot more to offer.” he said.

M’baluku acknowledged that UMP has encountered difficulties in organising festivals and award events over the past year but stressed that the challenges have not discouraged the organisation.

“We have faced many challenges over the past year, particularly with festivals and award ceremonies, but we are not turning back. We have a lot in the pipeline.

“Malawians should expect more from UMP. There are many exciting things coming,” he said.

M’baluku also highlighted the importance of music awards in shaping Malawi’s music industry, saying they help promote competitiveness and creativity among artists.

“These awards play a significant role in shaping the industry because they bring competitiveness.

“Artists are motivated to work harder and produce quality music so they can be recognised and win awards,” he said.

The UMP communications officer said award ceremonies have a lasting impact on the industry by encouraging artists to consistently improve their work throughout the year.

“The awards are important because they instil a competitive spirit among artists.Musicians are inspired to produce better pieces of work in order to win these awards at the end of the year,” he said.

On his part,Blantyre City Mayor, Councillor Isaac Jomo Osman,who was the guest of honor at the event,emphasized the need to redefine development by prioritising the empowerment of young people through their talents and skills rather than focusing solely on infrastructure.

Jomo said true development goes beyond the construction of buildings and must include deliberate efforts to support young people who are striving to contribute to national growth.

“Development is not just about buildings. One key aspect of development is empowering the youth through the talents and skills they already possess.

“Young people want to see Malawi develop, and we must support whatever positive initiatives they are undertaking,” he said.

The mayor encouraged organisers of youth programmes to continue creating platforms that nurture creativity and innovation, noting that Malawi faces many socio-economic challenges that require a shift in mindset.

He also criticised the culture of recognising individuals only after their death, citing recent incidents where artists and creatives received public appreciation only after tragic accidents.

“In Malawi, we often recognise people when they are gone. When some young people recently died in an accident, many turned up to pay their respects. But when they were alive, they were struggling and received little to no support,” said Jomo.

He called on Malawians to begin celebrating and supporting individuals while they are still alive and making positive contributions to society.

“It is high time we change our mindset and start helping people while they are doing good things,” said Jomo.

The mayor reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, saying his frequent presence at public and youth-related events is meant to demonstrate solidarity and encouragement.

“As mayor, my wish is to support the youth. That is why you see me attending many events  to show young people that they have leadership support,” he said.

The event saw musicians Amidu Ellan wining the Best Traditional/Indigenous Artist Award, Ma Black winning the Best Band Award, Cuff B as Best Producer and many other creatives winning awards in different categories.