The much publicised fifth edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) held last Saturday, 18 July 2015 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The event was well-attended by several African and some international stars, showing up at the scene in their dazzling outfits. It was hosted by popular American Actor/Comedian Anthony Anderson who did an incredible job; and also featured performances from artistes such as Davido, Yemi Alade, Seyi Shay, Diamond Platnumz, WizKid, Tuface, AKA and Young Thug.
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| Photo: 411board.com |
Nigerians retained their title as the giants of Africa by winning most of the awards in the 'main' categories, including Best Male and Female Act and Song of the year. For instance, the Nigerian sweetheart Yemi Alade won big when she took home the award for Best Female Act, beating her contemporary Seyi Shay and other African stars. Her amazing outfit has been trending on social media platforms ever since. Davido also triumphed over Tanzania's Diamond, Ghana's Sarkodie, South Africa's AKA and Wizkid to emerge as Africa's Best Male Act!
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| Photo: stylevitae.com |
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| Photo: Bella Naija |
D'banj also won the iconic award of MAMA Evolution, beating popular Tuface, Psquare , Asa and Black Coffee. D'banj was humble enough to dedicate the said award to his former partner Don Jazzy whose role he acknoweldged in getting him to where he is today. Psquare wasn't left out, as they took home the award for Artiste of the Decade, which recognised their consitence and dedication to their music.
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| Photo: encomium.ng |
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| Photo: @peterpsquare |
Below is the full list of nominees and winners:
1. Best Male Act
AKA (South Africa)
Davido (Nigeria) – winner
Diamond (Tanzania)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
2. Best Female Act
Bucie (South Africa)
Busiswa (South Africa)
Seyi Shay (Nigeria)
Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria) – winner
3. Best Group
B4 (Angola)
Beatenberg (South Africa)
Black Motion (South Africa)
P-Square (Nigeria) – winner
Sauti Sol (Kenya)
4. Best New Act Transformed by Absolute
Anna Joyce (Angola)
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
Duncan (South Africa)
Patoranking (Nigeria) – winner
Stonebwoy (Ghana)
5.Best Hip Hop
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) – winner
K.O. (South Africa)
Phyno (Nigeria)
Olamide (Nigeria)
Youssoupha (DRC)
6. Best Collaboration
AKA, Burna Boy, Da LES & JR: “All Eyes On Me” (SA/Nigeria) – winner
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)
7. 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) – winner
Sauti Sol: “Sura Yako” (Kenya)
Toofan: “Gweta” (Togo)
Wizkid: “Show You The Money” (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade: “Johnny” (Nigeria)
8. Best Live
Big Nuz (South Africa)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) – winner
Flavour (Nigeria)
Mi Casa (South Africa)
Toofan (Togo)
9. 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 – winner
“The Sound” – Davido Featuring Uhuru & DJ Buckz; Director: Sesan
10. Best Pop & Alternative
Fuse ODG (Ghana)
Jeremy Loops (South Africa) – winner
Jimmy Nevis (South Africa)
Nneka (Nigeria)
Prime Circle (South Africa)
11. Best Francophone
DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast) – winner
Jovi (Cameroon)
Laurette Le Pearle (DRC)
Tour 2 Garde (Ivory Coast)
Toofan (Togo)
12. Best Lusophone
Ary (Angola) – winner
B4 (Angola)
Nelson Freitas (Cape Verde)
NGA (Angola)
Yuri Da Cunha (Angola)
13. Personality of the Year
Basketmouth (Nigeria)
Bonang Matheba (South Africa)
OC Ukeje (Nigeria)
Trevor Noah (South Africa) – winner
Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)
14. MAMA Evolution
D’Banj (Nigeria) – winner
15. Best International
Nicki Minaj – winner
16. Artiste of the Decade
P-Square – winner
17. MTV Base Leadership Award
Saran Kaba Jones & S’Bu Mavundl.'
It is evident that the Nigerian Music Industry has evolved from where it was several years back when we had only a handful of contemporary artistes. Now, with the evolution of afro-pop and other music categories by several distinguished musicians who have collaborated with international stars and often perfom shows abroad, Nigerian music has made its way to the international scene. It is good that the industry has achieved both regional and international recognition. One can only hope that musicians, especially the new breed take time to develop better content, instead of concentrating solely on a catchy beat or sound. This is because music is an effective tool of communication, enlightenment and entertainment. There is also a need for more originality in both sound and content. It would be great to have more positive things being communicated today.
To all African artistes: "Keep being creative!"
About the Author:
Lola Agbaje-Williams is a Legal Practitioner who is passionate about Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law. You can contact her via her email address: lolaagbajewilliams@gmail.com or follow on her on Twitter: @lolawilliams02
Great Report! Hopefully African artistes will note what you have raised and improve on the substance of their works.
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