Muslim Artists Association of Malawi says it is courting a new audience to appreciate the artistic content produced by Muslim artists.

In this regard, the association has since unveiled a partnership with private broadcaster, Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), making the media house the primary broadcaster of the inaugural Islamic Arts Awards slated for December 23 at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.

Bakili (L) and Maliro after signing the agreement

Chairperson of the awards organising committee Tailosi Bakili said most of the Islamic art content such as music and drama has been confined to Radio or Television Islam. He said they are trying to break that monotony by reaching out to a new and wider audience.

“The Muslim artists have come of age and what we want is the world out there to listen to them. We don’t want them to be confined to Muslims only. We want everyone to enjoy their art even those from Christian background,” he said.

The awards will see artists being recognised in categories such as best nashid (song), best artist, best actor, best playwright and best poet. The platform will also present a lifetime achievement award to three individuals who have achieved extraordinary things in the art industry.

Bakili said Muslim artists have been entertaining masses throughout the years and they thought it wise to celebrate, reward and motivate them this year through the awards.

Muslim Artists Association president Noordin Cassim said the partnership with ZBS is a milestone for them since it will help them elevate Islamic arts.

He said: “When we established the awards, we looked at a media platform that would help us to further project our objectives and ZBS was one of them. It is a station that has been around for long and they command a good audience. It is very strategic for the furtherance of our goals.”

ZBS head of marketing Emmanuel Maliro said they exist to represent even the demographics that are in minority such as Muslims. He said Muslim artists have something to showcase, but they don’t have platforms.

He said: “We have people in this country who are creative but they don’t know where to take their talent. So, we are opening up for such groups to come to us so we can work together. We want to expose them.

“When the Muslim Arts Association approached us, we did not hesitate because that is an opportunity that we have been looking for. Most people don’t know about Islam in this country. We just hear that they are fasting or they have finished fasting.” Maliro urged the corporate world to partner artists and media houses so they can jointly create content which is unique and new.

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