The fifth edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) tagged MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal 2015, will be making a return to the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on Saturday, July 18.
“We are thrilled that the MTV Africa Music Awards will be returning to Durban and KwaZulu-Natal on 18 July, 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,” said Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa.
“In 2014, the world saw how Durban and KwaZulu-Natal leveraged global events such as the MTV Africa Music Awards to realise our tourism goals. After the major success of the MAMA in Durban last year, we are delighted to welcome back MTV Base and the MAMA awards to KwaZulu-Natal this July. By attracting ground-breaking events like the MAMA to KwaZulu-Natal and Durban, we continue to make a significant contribution to economic growth and tourism in the region,” Desmond Golding, Head of Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Province, stated.
For Head of Durban Tourism, Phillip Sithole it is a tremendous honour for The City of Durban to be host city once again for the much anticipated MTV Africa Music Awards.
“The MAMA is a celebration of Africa’s award winning musical achievements and we are 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,” he said.
According to Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Sola Oke, “We are once again proud to be part of a pan-African music celebration such as the MAMA. The partnership allows us to once again connect with our target consumers whilst utilizing the MAMA platform with our Africa is Absolut campaign, to be instrumental in helping transform artists’ lives by driving support for the nominees of the Best New Act Transformed by Absolut and showcasing their talent to all of sub-Saharan Africa.”
Celebrating the pan-African scope of the MAMA, the awards will encompass three stunning surround events featuring MAMA nominees and superstar DJs to be held in Durban (June 27), Lagos (July 3) and Kenya (August 1). Another key element of MAMA 2015 will be a workshop for aspiring musicians in the week prior to the awards.
First staged in 2008, the MTV Africa Music Awards has recognised the talent of musicians, achievers and personalities from across Africa, rewarding iconic artists and gamechangers such as 2Face Idibia, Big Nuz, Davido, D’Banj, Flavour, Gangs of Ballet, HHP, Fally Ipupa, Liquideep, Mafikizolo, Lira, Nameless, Lupita Nyong’o, Clarence Peters, Diamond Platnumz, Anselmo Ralph, Sarkodie, P-Square, Tiwa Savage, Cabo Snoop, Toofan, Zebra & Giraffe, Uhuru, Wahu, and many more.
Awarded in 17 categories, the MTV Africa Music Awards 2015 will broadcast live on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130) on Saturday, July 18. The show will also be transmitted worldwide on partner stations and content platforms the same day.