THE music industry is one where awards are often seen as the pinnacle of success and it’s rare to see an artiste willingly step out of the spotlight and withdraw from but not for King illest.
Award winning artiste King IIIest, real name Mainga Mukando has withdrawn from the 2024 Kwacha Music Awards, citing his desire to give other musicians a chance to shine.
The Southern province rapper has dominated the Best Artiste Southern Province category for several years, but now says it’s time to step back.
In a letter addressed to the Kwacha Music Awards Organising Committee, King IIIest expressed gratitude for the recognition he has received over the years but noted that it was time to “leave the stage while the audience is still clapping.”
According to the letter, the decision was made after careful consideration with his team, who agreed that their focus now is on promoting music and culture in the Southern Province rather than continuing to collect awards.
King IIIest took to social media, stating, “Olo niku wina, niza wina ka ngati, (Even if it’s winning, how many times will I win),” he wondered.
“After careful considerations with the team and having won the award all these years that we have been nominated, we felt it was time we left the stage while patrons are clapping in search of other priorities and let others shine and give opportunities to other artistes in the province.”
“I and my team made it a priority earlier this year to help push the province’s music, artiste and culture, Its for that reason that we respectively withdraw our nomination for this year’s Best Southern Province artiste if the year 2024.
King illest has been a leading figure in the province’s music scene for years, contributing to its growth and helping bring Southern Province talent to the national stage.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 5, 2024
