adminMelissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
It’s all systems go for the fifth edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards (Mamas) taking place at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa tonight.
The Mamas which will be broadcast live on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130) at 9PM will celebrate African talent with South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest topping the list with three nominations followed by AKA, Wizkid and KO with two nominations each.
Hosted by American comedian and actor, Anthony Anderson, the awards will have 17 categories with performances from America’s Ne-Yo, Jhene Aiko and Young Thug and African acts including AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Diamond Platnumz and Wizkid.
The awards being held under the theme: “Evolution” will recognise and reward musicians and achievers who have made the most impact on African youth culture over the last year, while also celebrating the development of the continent’s talent and creativity over the last 10 years.
The contribution of artistes from Portuguese and French-speaking countries will be recognised in the Best Lusophone and Best Francophone categories.
“In line with the Mama 2015 ‘Evolution’ theme and VIMN Africa’s 10-year celebration, this year’s show will also feature a special edition, Artist of the Decade category, to recognise artistes whose careers have flourished throughout the last 10 years,” MTV said.
Competing in the prestigious Best Male act category are AKA (South Africa), Davido (Nigeria), Diamond (Tanzania) and Sarkodie (Ghana), while female artistes making their mark in the Best Female category include Bucie (South Africa), Busiswa (South Africa), Seyi Shay (Nigeria), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania) and Yemi Alade (Nigeria).
The inspiring cross-cultural creative exchange of African musicians will be measured in the Best Collaboration category, where AKA, Burna Boy, Da LES & JR are competing against Davido featuring Uhuru & DJ Buckz (Nigeria/SA), Toofan & DJ Arafat (Togo/Ivory Coast), Diamond & Iyanya (Kenya/Nigeria), and Stanley Enow & Sarkodie (Cameroon/Ghana).
The enduring popularity of hip-hop on the continent will be captured in the hotly contested Best Hip Hop category, where Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) is battling it out with K.O (South Africa), Olamide (Nigeria), Phyno (Nigeria) and Youssoupha (DRC). Recognising the contribution of new talent on the continent, Best New Act: Transformed Today by Absolut gives nods to nominees from around the continent including, Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Anna Joyce (Angola), Duncan (South Africa), Patoranking (Nigeria) and Stonebwoy (Ghana).
Top South African diva, Bonang Matheba, will be competing for Personality of the Year with comedian — Trevor Noah and Manchester City/Cote d’Ivoire midfielder Yaya Toure.
Alex Okosi, Viacom International Media Networks Africa senior vice president and managing director said: “We’re thrilled that the MTV Africa Music Awards has returned to Durban and KwaZulu-Natal on July 18, a date famous for being the birthday of Nelson Mandela. What better day could there be for staging this inspirational celebration of African achievement and creativity that showcases Africa’s best talent on the world stage.”
Head of Durban Tourism, Phillip Sithole said it was an honour for their city to once again host the much anticipated African music awards.
“The Mamas are a celebration of Africa’s award-winning musical achievements and we’re privileged to have this prestigious gathering in the city of Durban.
“We look forward to an unforgettable event in Durban and may the Mama continue to be the best platform to bring Africa together on our shores and allow our continent to enjoy the unique flavours of Destination Durban,” Sithole said.
And the nominees are . . .
Best Male
AKA (South Africa)
Davido (Nigeria)
Diamond (Tanzania)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Female
Bucie (South Africa)
Busiswa (South Africa)
Seyi Shay (Nigeria)
Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Group
B4 (Angola)
Beatenberg (South Africa)
Black Motion (South Africa)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Sauti Sol (Kenya)
Best New Act Transformed by Absolut
Anna Joyce (Angola)
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
Duncan (South Africa)
Patoranking (Nigeria)
Stonebwoy (Ghana)
Best Hip-hop
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
K.O. (South Africa)
Phyno (Nigeria)
Olamide (Nigeria)
Youssoupha (DRC)
Best Collaboration
AKA, Burna Boy, Da LES & JR:All Eyes On Me (SA/Nigeria)
Davido featuring Uhuru & DJ Buckz: The Sound (Nigeria/SA)
Diamond & Iyanya: Bum Bum (Kenya/Nigeria)
Toofan & DJ Arafat: Apero Remix (Togo/Ivory Coast)
Stanley Enow & Sarkodie: Njama Njama Cow Remix (Cameroon/Ghana)
Song of the Year
Cassper Nyovest: Doc Shebeleza (South Africa)
Euphonik featuring Mpumi: Busa (South Africa)
DJ Fisherman & NaakMusiQ featuring DJ Tira, Danger & Dream Team: Call Out (South Africa)
K.O featuring Kid X: Caracara (South Africa)
Lil Kesh Featuring Olamide & Davido: Shoki Remix (Nigeria)
Mavins: Dorobucci (Nigeria)
Sauti Sol: Sura Yako (Kenya)
Toofan: Gweta (Togo)
Wizkid: Show You The Money (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade: Johnny (Nigeria)
Best Live
Big Nuz (South Africa)
Diamond (Tanzania)
Flavour (Nigeria)
Mi Casa (South Africa)
Toofan (Togo)
Video of the Year
Crazy – Seyi Shay Featuring Wizkid; Director: Meji Alabi
Doors – Prime Circle; Director: Ryan Kruger
Love You Everyday – Bebe Cool; Director: Clarence Peters
Nafukwa – Riky Rick; Director: Adriaan Louw
The Sound — Davido Featuring Uhuru & DJ Buckz; Director: Sesan
Best Pop and Alternative
Fuse ODG (Ghana)
Jeremy Loops (South Africa)
Jimmy Nevis (South Africa)
Nneka (Nigeria)
Prime Circle (South Africa)
Best Francophone
DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast)
Jovi (Cameroon)
Laurette Le Pearle (DRC)
Tour 2 Garde (Ivory Coast)
Toofan (Togo)
Best Lusophone
Ary (Angola)
B4 (Angola)
Nelson Freitas (Cape Verde)
NGA (Angola)
Yuri Da Cunha (Angola)
Personality of the Year
Basketmouth (Nigeria)
Bonang Matheba (South Africa)
OC Ukeje (Nigeria)
Trevor Noah (South Africa)
Yaya Toure (Cote d’Ivoire)
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