As the countdown to this year’s 58thGrammy Awards commences and at a time when “diversity” issue has taken center stage in award ceremonies, local radio DJs have expressed optimism on Malawi’s Zomba Prison Project chances of winning the award on the night of 15 February in Los Angeles.

Zomba Prison Project’s “I Have No Everything Here” is up against Gilberto Gil’s “Gilbertos Samba Ao Vivo”, Angelique Kidjo’s “Sings”, Ladysmith Black Mambazo With Ella Spira & The Inala Ensemble’s “Music From Inala” and Anoushka Shankar’s “Home” for Best World Music Award.

Speaking in an interview, MBC radio 2 DJ, Joy Nathu said the local outfit may win depending on how reputable Ian Brennan’s works are.

“Am not sure about this one because we don’t know the criteria used and also how strong the other nominees are. But the chances of winning are with the producer because he has already won a Grammy and if we are to win it’s because of how reputable his work is rated,” explained Nathu.

Asked on the credibility of the Grammys and if they are a true representation of world music, he responded, “Yes, they are. I’ve noticed that they have a lot of categories and they try to incorporate a lot of genres and music from all over.”

Responding to the chances of Zomba Prison Project winning, his counterpart, FM 101 Power DJ Kenny Klips said the chances are high considering who they are and where they are coming from.

“The chances are very high. They are inmates from one of poorest countries in the world. They are unique,” he articulated.

Grammy-winning producer, Ian Brennan and his wife, Italian photographer and filmmaker, Marilena Delli, traveled to Malawi and Mozambique specifically to document and record the music of prisoners at the maximum security prison in Zomba.

He has produced hit television series such as “Glee” and “Scream Queens”.