…As Nigerian Artistes Dominate 11 Categories Again!
VIMN Africa and MTV Base tonight revealed the nominations for the MTV Africa Music Awards at 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.
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.
Speaking at the event, Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, VIMN Africa, commented, “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, and new and emerging talents of the future.”
Competing in the prestigious Best Male act category are AKA (South Africa), Davido (Nigeria), Diamond (Tanzania) and Wizkid (Nigeria), 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 talent on the continent, Best New Act: Transformed Today by Absolut gave nods to nominees from around the continent, including Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Anna Joyce (Angola), Duncan (South Africa), Patoranking (Nigeria) and Stonebwoy (Ghana).
Desmond Golding, Head of Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Province, commented, “These nominations mark a significant milestone to the MAMA, which KwaZulu-Natal sees as the linchpin to deepening tourism, investment and talent.”
“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 artists who stand by their style, who are creators, innovators and originators. A campaign that encourages artistes to Be Absolut.”
Phillip Sithole Head of Durban Tourism 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 artists 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.
You can start voting for your favourite artistes live now at mama.mtv.com
See full list below:
MAMA 2015 NOMINEES IN FULL:
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 & 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 (Ivory Coast)