The African continent is buzzing with excitement and anticipation already as the 5th edition of theMTV Africa Music Awardsholds it down in Durban, South Africa.So gripping is the effiect of the biggest music awards event in Africa that some of the nominees have dedicated their social media pages to the awards, pleading with fans and followers for support through votes to ensure they do not return empty handed from SouthAfrica.
While the buzz continues unabated and before MAMA locks it all in, let’s take you through the fun facts about the MAMAs.
1.The awards will hold on Saturday, July 18th which coincides with the 97th (post-humous) birthday of South African legend,Nelson Mandela.
1.The show will be hosted by American actor and writer,Anthony Anderson. Anderson co-hosted the recently held BET awards in Los Angeles, California and plays the lead role in the ABC’s ‘Black-ish’ series.
1.For the first time since the awards began five years ago, there is an Evolution Category, which will reward the act that has made the most impact in the past ten years. Votes for this category will be done via social media.1.International superstars,Ne-Yo,Young ThugandJhene Aikowill be performing at the awards alongside African superstars,2face Idibia,Davido,Yemi Alade,Toofan.
1.Popular American acts,Beyonce,Nicki Minaj,Rihanna,Chris Brown,Big Seanhave been nominated in the Best International Act category and don’t be surprised if they show up in KwaZulu-Natal.
1.This year’s awards event has Nigerian artistes including Davido,Psquare, Yemi Alade, Wizkid and others dominating 12 of the 15 award categories.
1.The awards will be televised live across Africa on MTV Base channel 322, MTV channel 130 and BET channel 129.Africa, let’s go!
cc: Lalasticala Ishilove