Kwemo Slams Maso Awards Snub, Sparks Debate on Producer Recognition

Lilongwe basedproducer Kwemo has expressed frustration after being left off the official nominee list for the Maso Awards – Best Producer of the Year category.

“It’s unfair! I’m the one behind so many hits,” Kwemo said, highlighting his work over the past few years. He cited producing hit songs for artists such as Joe Ikon, Quest Moto,Charisma Madness, Jetu , Kineo, and Aidfest, adding that he also handles mixing and mastering. “The best songs of the year? I worked on them. And the artists I collaborate with end up nominated in various categories. Maybe it’s time we get recognized. But as long as I’m making hits and getting paid, I’m okay,” he added.

The comments came after ChawaBeats, who was nominated in the category, told Kwemo: “Bro, just making beats counts; mixing and mastering doesn’t really make you the producer. The one who creates the beat is the producer.”

Kwemo responded: “Production, bro, is about beat making, mixing, and mastering songs… understand the word, my guy.”

Chawa replied: “The producer is the one who makes the instrumental, brother. Ask anyone that’s why it’s listed under composition/writing.”

Kwemo is part of a producer group that includes Stafa Awosh, Bispa, Oops, and Yoba, though only a few names in the group have been recognized in awards. The debate has sparked a wider conversation in Malawi’s music industry about how producers are credited and recognized.