By Rahim Abdul
Malawi’s hip hop sensation IKK, popularly known as Ayi Dabo Keyi, has finally honoured his long-standing pledge by awarding K1 million to Rosetta, the rising vocalist who won the “Ndabwera” hook challenge.
The challenge was launched months ago to encourage young creatives to add their own flavour to the chorus of “Ndabwera,” a track IKK recorded with several collaborators.
It attracted dozens of hopeful voices, all aiming to impress and possibly unlock a new chapter in their music journey.
As time went by, frustration started building among fans. More than five months passed without any announcement and social media was buzzing with people wondering whether the artist had forgotten his promise or abandoned the competition altogether.
IKK, clarified that the delay was not intentional. He said he spent time reviewing submissions to ensure fairness and credibility, insisting he didn’t want pressure to force a rushed decision that would leave deserving talent behind.
Rosetta emerged as the overall winner thanks to her standout performance. Judges highlighted her vocal control, the freshness of her delivery and the emotional connection she brought to the “Ndabwera” melody.Her version quickly circulated online, attracting praise from fans.
When IKK finally presented the K1 million prize, Rosetta could not hide her excitement. She said the award was more than just money, explaining that it offers validation for an artist who has been quietly pushing to break through in Malawi’s competitive music space.
Fans on Facebook and TikTok have reacted positively, saying IKK’s move helps restore trust in music competitions, which often receive backlash for unfulfilled promises. Many praised the rapper for finally stepping up and keeping his word.
