By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, May 14, Mana: Spokesperson for Urban Music People (UMP), Marie Thom has announced plans to Crown Miss UMP to captivate blend of elegance at the upcoming Festival.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Thom said to blend fashion and tourism, the highly anticipated UMP Festival aims to elevate its fashion quotient by coming up with the inaugural Miss UMP beach beauty pageant.

“This pageant is more than just a showcase of physical beauty, it’s a celebration of confidence, charisma and the vibrant spirit of our lakeshore communities”, Said Thom.

She further said, Miss UMP office will be active all year round to carry out the ongoing activities of the Festival in promoting tourism and elevating urban culture in lakeshore areas, as well as to contribute to the social economic development of the country and enhancing African positive narrative.

“The beauty pageant, will collaborate with major fashion stakeholders in Malawi and feature a diverse array of fashion-centric events, including fashion shows, pop-up boutiques, fashion markets and costume contests so that we should promote fashion in the country “, she said.

The Chitoliro production has also chosen former Miss Malawi and previous UMP Fashion Award icon recipient, Mabel Khonje as their Fashion Brand Ambassador.

In her remarks, Khonje said it’s an exciting news that she has been chosen to be the Ambassador of UMP and will deliver her best on this position.

“I am very excited, honored and humbled to be the face of such a festival. People should expect glam, fun and something Malawi has ever seen before." Said Khonje.

UMP festival is expected to hold this years’ celebration on 25 to 28 October at Cape Maclear in Mangochi.