MASO Awards have recently unveiled their nominations, sparking discussions as fans rally behind emerging music sensation Fada Moti, who many believed had a shot as  “Artist of the Year” title.

However, Chief Executive Officer for MASO Augustine Mukisi has clarified why the artist is nominated in the “Upcoming Artist” category rather than the more prominent one, despite Moti’s popularity and widespread weekend bookings.

In a statement, Mukisi highlighted that Fada Moti is still in his breakthrough phase, making him more suited for the “Upcoming Artist” category. He explained that MASO operates under a structured process that categorizes artists based on career stages, irrespective of popular demand. Mukisi noted:

“He is an emerging artist. He has potential. This is his breakthrough year and perhaps a perfect candidate for the emerging artists category [we call it Upcoming]. So it’s a criteria issue. So he needs to pass through the process.”

Mukisi illustrated the MASO Awards progression pathway by referencing several notable artists who rose through the ranks. He mentioned how Driemo transitioned from “Upcoming Artist” in 2021 to “Artist of the Year” in 2022, while Kellie Devine, who won the “Female Upcoming Artist Award” in 2022, became a nominee for “Artist of the Year” in both 2023 and 2024. Similarly, Zeze and Lady Aika saw a progression from emerging categories to top nominations within a year.

“Awards operate differently. They are not really based on popular demand,” Mukisi emphasized, pointing out that the nomination process favors career progression and potential over immediate popularity.

The MASO Awards’ approach reflects a long-term view of artist development, recognizing and supporting emerging talents as they establish themselves before they compete for the more distinguished “Artist of the Year” category.