Briefing journalists in Blantyre on Monday in Blantyre, MBC Director General, George Kasakula said this is a national event, for all Malawians aimed at rewarding talent in the country.

Kasakula said they will award deserving talents in eight categories including music, drama, poetry, sports and media personalities.

“As MBC, we have always been committed to supporting and promoting creativity, artistry and innovation in entertainment.

"The awards are up for grabs to all Malawians, even if MBC employees do not win, we will be happy because we are serving all Malawians,” said Kasakula.

He said this year's Entertainers of the Year Annual Awards, to be held on 15 December in Lilongwe, will require about K78 million, likely with financial support from partners including companies and other media organisations.

The Public broadcaster added that nominations for winners in all the categories will be open to the public with nominations of winners from 1st October to 22 October while voting for winners is expected to be open from 9th November to 9th December, 2023.

The MBC Director General said to ensure transparency, accountability and credibility, MBC has engaged an independent auditing firm, Graham Carr to oversee the selection of nominees and winners.

“Let me emphasize that the new Entertainers of the Year Awards will be open to all individuals of Malawian origin currently practicing their trade in proposed categories within or outside Malawi in order to ensure inclusivity, and encourage competitiveness and excitement,” said the MBC DG.

MBC started Entertainers of the Year Awards in 1970 and it was discontinued in 2005 and now the current Director General says they are now resetting things at the media organisation.