Like it was the case in the last edition of the MTV African Music Awards (MAMA), Davido, Wizkid, Yemi Alade and a host of other Nigerian artistes are set to once more make a clean sweep of this year’s edition.
VIMN Africa and MTV Base, the organisers, announced the nominations late last week during a star-studded reception at Harem, Johannesburg, South Africa, attended by MAMA 2015 nominees – Seyi Shay, Black Motion, Bucie, Cassper Nyovest and Diamond Platnumz – and a host of artistes, celebrities and media.
The announcement shows that artistes from the country dominate in 11 of the 17 categories in the award.
Celebrating the extraordinary evolution of African achievement, this year’s MAMA recognises contemporary artistes and trailblazers in a range of music and lifestyle categories, including ‘Song of the Year’, ‘Video of the Year’, ‘Best Collaboration’ and ‘Personality of the Year’.
“As Viacom International Media Networks celebrates its first 10 years in Africa, we are thrilled to pay tribute to the dynamism, creativity and passion of all the MAMA 2015 nominees. Applauding music and achievement all over the continent, the MAMA recognises the contribution of both enduring icons on the African music scene, as well as new and emerging talents of the future,” said Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, VIMN Africa, at the event.
Competing in the prestigious Best Male act category are AKA (South Africa), Davido (Nigeria), Diamond (Tanzania), Wizkid (Nigeria), and Sarkodie (Ghana), while female artistes making their mark in the Best Female category include Bucie (SA), Busiswa (SA), Seyi Shay (Nigeria), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania) and Yemi Alade (Nigeria).
The enduring popularity of hip hop on the continent is 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 talents on the continent, Best New Act Transformed Today by Absolut gave nod to nominees from around the continent, including Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Anna Joyce (Angola), Duncan (South Africa), Patoranking (Nigeria) and Stonebwoy (Ghana).
“These nominations mark a significant milestone to the MAMA, which KwaZulu-Natal sees as the linchpin to deepening tourism, investment and talent,” said Desmond Golding, Head of Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Province.
“Congratulations to all the 2015 MAMA nominees, particularly the nominees of Best New Act Transformed by Absolut,” said Sola Oke, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria. “We look forward to transforming the Best New Act nominees’ MAMA nomination journey by garnering support for them through our supporter video shout-outs and live in-market performances, and via our ‘Africa is Absolut’ campaign. The campaign celebrates Africa’s unique creativity, recognising artistes who stand by their style, who are creators, innovators and originators. A campaign that encourages artistes to Be Absolut.”
Head of Durban Tourism, Phillip Sithole, proudly stated, “The MAMA is a true reflection of the rapid growth and music potential of the African continent. The city is proud that the event will be a catalyst to showcase the talent in the local music industry and create opportunities for our young and aspiring artistes to be competitive globally. We wish the nominees in all the categories the best of luck and may they be proud of reaching this achievement for their continent.”
A total of 70 nominees were revealed at the event, across 13 different categories. Nominees for additional categories, including the MTV Base Leadership Award and Best International Act, will be revealed at a later date.
Voting has since started on the award’s website.
