Tay Grin seek support in Channel O awards

Tay Grin: Vote for 2 by 2

As he continues marketing his recent 12-track debut album titled 'Proudly African' while putting Malawi on the global map, the country's Hip-hop music icon, Tay Grin was this year nominated for the best southern African artist on Channel O's Spirit of Africa Music Awards. 

Consequently, the musician is requesting Malawians and all his fans to take part in the selection process and vote for his nominated song 2 by 2, a track which has enjoyed airplay on both local and international radios and televisions since its release in early this year. 

According to the young rapper-cum- entrepreneur, the awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 9 October in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the voting process is currently in progress. 

"The voting process has commenced and will end in October, so I am requesting Malawians and all my fans across the region to take part in the voting process and vote for the song 2 by 2, which won me the nomination for the best southern African artist,” appealed Grin. 

"The public of Malawi should take part in voting by sending an SMS written 10E Best Southern African to 00 27 839208400. This would give the country a better chance of winning the award and putting Malawi further on the international map," he told Nyasa Times. 

Spirit of Africa music awards were set up four years ago to recognize, award and support African musical talent. Nominations for the awards are done according to viewers request and the quality of the video. 

Last year, Tay Grin's first single 'Stand Up' a wholly Malawian produced song and video, which was first aired on Channel O in March 2007 and has also not stopped playing since; was nominated in three categories namely Best African Male Video, Best Southern Africa Video and Best Hip-hop Video.

Although he was not successful in all the three categories, his conscious and positive rap music has become popular both in Malawi as well as abroad and his nominations have clearly gained him respect and recognition.  

The previous and recent nominations make him the first Malawian musician to ever be recognized by Channel O in the Spirit of Africa Music Awards. 

Meanwhile, government Spokesperson Patricia Kaliati, who is also Minister of Information and Civic Education, has applauded Tay Grin for the innovation and determination he has taken in promoting Malawi music industry. 

In an interview with Nyasa Times on Wednesday, Kaliati revealed that government was exceptionally proud to see what the musician has achieved on the international music platform. 

She further said his music is comprehensively promoting Malawi abroad and there was need for the general public to fully support the singer by voting for him as the best southern African artist. 

"This is the artist who is determined to promote music in the country and at the same time promoting Malawi to the outside world. Malawians must know through his music, people abroad are able to appreciate what artists in the country can produce, so apart from promoting his own work he is also exposing other local artists,” said Kaliati. 

"Therefore, as government we are very proud of him and I would like to request all Malawians to strongly take part in the voting process. I believe last year he was not successful because we did not support him, so this year we should all team up and send many text messages voting for him," appealed Kaliati.    

Tay Grin's music targets the youth of Africa urging them to take pride in their nations and culture; to take responsibility as well as utilize their God given talents and find value in contributing to a positive and brighter future.

It also emphasizes the need to eradicate negativity and low self-esteem.