Kell Kay

Last updated
Kell Kay
Birth nameKell Kay Kambwiri
Born (1993-05-20) May 20, 1993 (age 31)
Likuni Mission Hospital
Lilongwe, Malawi
GenresR&B
Afrobeat
Afropop
Afro Soul
Occupation(s)Musician
songwriter
Years active2006–present

Kell Kay Kambwiri (born May 20, 1993), best known as Kell Kay, is a Malawian RnB artist and songwriter. In 2017 and 2018, he won a Nyasa Music Award as Best R&B Artist of the year. [1] [2] [3] His collaboration with Gwamba titled Mr yesu was nominated as the Best collaboration of the year 2018. [3]

Contents

Background

Early life

Kambwiri was born on 20 May 1993, in Lilongwe in a family of 4 children. He did his college studies at Malawi Adventist University.

Music career

Kambwiri released his first album titled “Part of Your Life,” in 2008 which was produced at Toxic Records. It wasn't until 2014 that Kambwiri gained national recognition with his hit song, “Ndilore Ndipite,” (Let me go) which earned him a spot in the mainstream industry.

He got more audience when he was featured by Martse in the award-winning song “Mwano” (rudeness). The song won various awards that year, cementing Kambwiri's position as a rising star in the Malawian music industry.

In 2019, Kambwiri released his studio album titled “Love After 24” at the Bingu International Convention Centre, where he proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Tammie, in front of a live audience. [1]

Related Research Articles

Francis Kaphuka known professionally as Hyphen and formerly as Young Kay is a popular Malawian hip-hop artist that is known for fusing local Malawian folk songs with international genres. He is known for his vibrant sound and ability to mix Chichewa and English lyrics eloquently in his rhymes. This has earned him recognition as one of Malawi's best lyricists. He has been voted as Malawi’s best rapper twice Joy FM fans and in 2021 was crowned King of Malawian Hiphop by the audience of one of Malawi's biggest online platforms, Mikozi Networks. He was introduced to Malawian audiences under Rush records with the single “I’m Home” and his popularity grew to solidify his place as one of Malawi's greatest hip-hop artists. He has had subsequent hits since then. His song “zipepese” number 2 on FM 101 Power’s urban music chart. In 2010 he collaborated with Malawian born rising act Onesimus Muzik on a track titled "Beautiful" He also collaborated with Lucius Banda, Tigris, and Maskal on track "Malawi Goodlife" in 2011.

ZaniMichelle Chiumia is a Malawian artist, actress, model and former TV presenter. She gained international recognition in music when she collaborated with a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter, Patoranking, on a song called "Single Tonight" released in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joy Nathu</span> Malawian radio DJ and presenter

Joy Nathu is a Malawian radio DJ, producer, broadcaster and presenter. He won his first UMP Award in 2016 as the DJ of the year. In 2017 and 2018, Nathu also won the same awards and category. He won Radio DJ and Personality of the Year in 2019.

Luna MC is a Malawian radio broadcaster, presenter and television personality. In 2019, Luna won the Personality of the Year along with Priscilla Kayira and Sharon Chirwa in UMP Media Awards. In 2018, Luna won best tv presenter of the year in Nyasa Music Awards.

Hilda Ulola professionally known as Hilco, is a Malawian Afro-Pop singer, songwriter and philanthropist. In 2017, she was nominated in the category "Best Afro Pop Artist of the Year" and "Best Female Artist of the Year" in 2018 in the Nyasa Music Awards. In 2019, she was nominated as "Best Female Artist of the Year" in the UMP Awards.

Chiyanjano Muheziwa popularly known as Annie Matumbi, and sometimes Nyakwawa, is a Malawian veteran musician, tv presenter, actor and politician.He has released several successful singles and albums, including "Marshup", "Free Major 1", and "Malawi Must Be Saved". His music has resonated with audiences, making him a household name in Malawi.

Dan Lufani, best known as Dan Lu, and sometimes written as Dan Lufan, is a Malawian Afro-pop singer and songwriter. In 2011, he was awarded as best Afro pop artist of the year in Malawi Music Awards. In 2016, he was nominated in best R&B/Afro-pop Act along with other artists such as Theo Thomson and Kell Kay.

Aubrey Ghambi, best known as Suffix, is a Malawian gospel rapper and songwriter. In 2020, he won a UMP Award in best gospel act. In 2018, his album titled "Before I Sleep" won the category Album of the Year in UMP Awards and he was nominated as Best Hip Hop Artist as well as Best Urban Gospel. In 2016, was nominated for the same category and award.

Fredo Penjani Kamlepo Kalua, best known as Fredokiss, is a Malawian rapper and songwriter. In 2020, he was nominated in UMP Award in Best Hip Hop Act and his music video "Dadada" won Music Video of the Year. In 2017, he won three categories namely, Artist of the Year, Best rapper and Best Live Act.

Chiku Malinga Chitsundi Banda, best known as Malinga Mafia, is a Malawian dancehall artist and songwriter. In 2018, he won a Nyasa Music Award as Best Dancehall artist of the year. His collaboration with Hyphen titled Tsidya lina won the Best collaboration of the year 2018. In 2017, he won the Best Music Video in Nyasa Music Awards. In 2016, he was awarded a UMP Award for Album of the Year as well as Best Reggae/Dancehall Act in years 2017 and 2018.

Nyasa Music Awards are Malawian music awards that were established in early 2017 to celebrate entertainers and other minorities in music, fashion and philanthropy. The annual presentation event that takes place in major cities of the country features performances by artists and they are one of the major Malawi's music industry awards. The event recognizes Malawian music from all genres, including traditional, soul, and gospel. The awards also promote culture, with the 2017 event host of an African Print party that encourages people to showcase their traditional outfits. The awards include media sister awards and its categories are split into male and female.

Angel Mbekeani, best known as Sangie, is a Malawian reggae artist and songwriter. In 2015, she won as the best female artist of the year in UMP Awards. In 2016 and 2019, she was nominated in the same awards in Best Female Artist of the Year. In 2017, she won in the same awards in Best Female Act.

Faith Ambudye Che Muphuwa Mussa is a Malawian Afro-soul singer, guitarist and songwriter. He won his first award in August 2004 in Chirunga Awards as the best male singer. In 2018, he won two UMP Awards in Best Live Act as well as Best Afro-soul Artist/Group. In 2016, was nominated for the same category and award. In 2013, he won a National award for his best single titled "Desperate". In 2017, his song titled "Mdidi" won the Best Single in Nyasa Music Awards. In 2018, he won another award again in Best Live Act.

Shukuran Mwachumu better known by his stage name Janta, is a Malawian Afro Pop artist. In 2015, his song titled Wangongole won a Nyasa Music Award in Best Song of the Year category. In 2019, his music video won Best video of the year in UMP Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phyzix</span> Malawian musician

Noel Chikoleka better known by his stage name Phyzix, is a Malawian musician, rapper, songwriter and activist. He gained national recognition in 2006 when he released the song titled "Cholapitsa" (boogeyman) which sold over 40, 000 copies national wide within a month and has released over 6 albums. In 2020, he won a UMP Award in Best Hip Hop artist of the year.

Evans Zangazanga popularly known as Piksy is a Malawian musician. In 2015, he was nominated for the Best Male Southern Africa category in Kora Awards. He was the Brand Ambassador for Airtel for over 2 years commencing on 1 August 2012 and through 30 November 2015.

Maso Awards are Malawian music award show that was established in early 2019 to celebrate entertainers and other minorities in music, film, philanthropy and fashion. The event takes place in Malawian major cities and it is featured by performances from artists. They are one of the major Malawi's local music industry awards. The awards recognizes Malawian music from all genres, including gospel. The awards also promote culture and encourages people to showcase their talents. The awards categories are split into male and female.

The Malawi Music Awards are Malawian national awards that stands as an annual hallmark event within Malawi's music industry that recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements in the Malawian music industry. The event is organized by the Music Association of Malawi (MAM) and is considered one of the most prestigious music awards in the country. During its establishments in the early 1990s, the awards had been primary aiming at recognizing and honouring the contributions of Malawian musicians towards the advancement and enrichment of the nation's music scene. The events serve as a platform to celebrate the talents and achievements of Malawian artists who have played vital roles in shaping and expanding the local music.

Chifuniro Steven Magalasi, best professionally known as Eli Njuchi, is a Malawian singer and songwriter. In 2018, he won a UMP Award in Best New Act. In 2019, he won another UMP award as the best male of the year.

Vitumbiko Chisoni, best known as Pop Young, is a Malawian Afro-Pop musician and songwriter. In 2022, he won a Mzuzu Music Award as the best male artist of the year. Chisoni's most popular songs include "Collect," "Mesa," "Sole," and "Story," among others that brought him popularity and recognition national wide.

References

  1. 1 2 Mughogho, Lyonike (2018-05-05). "Purple C, Tay Grin share best video award Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
  2. Mkhutche, Wonderful (2017-05-02). "Winners and losers in 2017 Nyasa Music Awards Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
  3. 1 2 "Malawi: Nyasa Music Awards full list of winners". Music In Africa. 2018-05-07. Retrieved 2024-03-25.