UMP Awards

The Ubuntu Music People (UMP) Awards, powered by Chitoliro, stands as one of Malawi's most significant and consistent creative industry awards.

Established in 2015 with its inaugural ceremony in Blantyre, UMP was founded to fill a critical gap: the lack of a formal, credible platform to recognize and reward excellence in Malawi's rapidly growing urban and contemporary creative scene. What started as a music-focused awards ceremony has strategically evolved into a holistic platform for the entire creative economy.

While its roots are in urban music, the UMP Awards' deliberate expansion into the broader creative industry reflects a mature understanding that the creative sector is interdependent. An artist needs a video director, a designer, and a radio presenter to thrive. By honoring all these players under one roof, UMP has built a sustainable ecosystem for the industry.

Most categories are dichotomized into male and female. This is not just for inclusion, but a strategic move to double recognition and ensure equitable visibility in an industry where female creatives have historically been under-represented. Categories like Artist of the Year (Male) and Artist of the Year (Female) ensure the spotlight is shared.

Over the past 10 years, UMP has recognized hundreds of creatives from Malawi and beyond. The introduction of categories like African Artist of the Year, SADC Regional Artist of the Year, Best New African Act, and most recently in 2026, Best Trap Act and the National Music Heritage Award, shows an organization that is listening to the market and evolving with it.

UMP Awards host cities have rotated between Blantyre and Lilongwe. Winners receive a signature gold plated miniature, which has now become a coveted symbol of excellence in a Malawian creative's career.