By Burnett Munthali

In an unexpected twist, this year’s MASO (Malawi Social Media) Awards has seen an alarming number of high-profile withdrawals. Renowned gospel singer Ethel Kamwendo Banda and popular comedian Mr. Jokes are among the latest to pull out, leaving fans and observers asking why so many big names are stepping away from an event meant to celebrate Malawi’s creative talents. With the awards approaching, these departures have cast a shadow of uncertainty over one of the country’s most anticipated social media celebrations.

So, what’s going on? Why are celebrities and influencers pulling out of an event that should, on the surface, be a highlight of their year? Let’s look at a few potential reasons.

Firstly, one of the most frequently cited issues is a lack of transparency in the voting process. Criticisms have emerged around how votes are counted and winners are determined. While fans and artists alike are supposed to be able to trust that the MASO Awards are a fair reflection of public opinion, recent murmurs hint at potential flaws or biases in the system. For someone with a dedicated fanbase, like Ethel Kamwendo Banda, these concerns might understandably discourage participation.

Secondly, another pressing issue lies in how some categories are structured and how nominees are selected. Numerous voices in Malawi’s entertainment industry have expressed concerns that certain nominees may be favored, whether by judges or by the overall organization’s processes. In particular, some argue that the awards tend to favor urban artists while sidelining others who don’t necessarily fall into mainstream categories.

Thirdly, given the effort artists put into engaging their fans and securing nominations, there has been disappointment around the awards’ incentives and prizes. Many nominees, some claim, feel that the rewards don’t justify the effort, and that recognition at the awards might not bring significant benefits to their careers. For established entertainers like Mr. Jokes, this could lead to a re-evaluation of whether participating is worth the effort or resources.

Fourthly, Malawi’s social media landscape can be fiercely opinionated, and awards tend to amplify rivalries and critiques. For some participants, the harsh scrutiny and negativity from the public—and even fellow artists—can take a toll. Social media spats and accusations of favoritism can make the whole experience more of a liability than an opportunity.

Fifthly, reports have suggested possible internal disagreements within the MASO organizing team. Any internal instability can lead to dissatisfaction among nominees and participants, potentially contributing to the wave of withdrawals. If artists feel that an event isn’t managed in a way that reflects professionalism and respect, they might choose to avoid it altogether.

*Is this the end for the MASO Awards?*

The MASO Awards have done much to elevate Malawian social media influencers and artists since their inception, providing a much-needed platform to celebrate online talent and creativity. However, this year’s controversies suggest that there’s significant room for improvement. As Malawi’s entertainment industry evolves, awards programs like MASO must adapt to meet participants’ needs and expectations.

Will the organizers address these issues in time? Or will this year’s withdrawals mark the beginning of the end for the MASO Awards? Only time will tell. But as more artists continue to voice their concerns, one thing is clear: Malawi’s creators want to see an awards program that respects their hard work, values transparency, and treats them with fairness.