Sunday Oguomere
1 December 2008
At last, winners have emerged at the first ever MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMA) supported by Zain, one of the leading telecom operator in Africa and the Middle East at an event held recently at the Velodrome, Abuja, Nigeria.
The awards event, MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain, which was created by MTV's African music channel, MTV base and sponsored by the giant telecom company was conceived as the ultimate celebration of African contemporary music and talent.
The biggest winner on the night, according to Zain was charismatic Nigerian music sensation, D'Banj who took home three MAMA 'Golden Microphones' including Best Male, Artist of the Year and Listener's Choice.
Kenya's most sought after female artist, Wahu, took home Best Female. Similarly, best Video went to Ikechukwu from Nigeria for his video - Wind Am Well, while Alicia Keys won the honours in Best R&B. South African alternative act, Seether, took home the gong for Best Alternative while energetic hip hop outfit Jozi were a popular choice for Best Live. Best New Act was won by Naeto C from Nigeria while fellow countrymen, P Square, beat off the competition in Best Group.
Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa who commented on the event said: 'The first MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain has been an incredible celebration of the music and artists that we support on MTV base in Africa every day. African youth culture and music has a place on the world stage, and I am thrilled that the MAMAs have shone a light on this positive and vibrant aspect of the African continent.'
Speaking about the Awards, Mwambu Wanendeya, Zain Group Communications Director for Africa said, 'The passion shown by the audience at the show and throughout the concerts in Kinshasa, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos and Abuja has been amazing. Zain is proud to have given people around the world the opportunity to see and hear some of Africa's most talented musicians.'
Highlights of the star-studded awards show included an electrifying duet between Kelly Rowland and triple award winner, D'Banj. Other moments to savour included an energetic music 'duel' and dance-off between Nigerian R&B duo, P Squar,e and Jozi, a heartfelt solo from soul siren Asa, and showstopping hip hop master classes from Flo Rida and The Game.
The most poignant moment of the night came when MTV paid homage to two of Africa's most beloved and influential music giants including 'MAMA Africa', Miriam Makeba, who passed away earlier in November.
Another African music great spotlighted was legendary Afro Beat star Fela Anikulapo Kuti, whose seminal track 'Army Arrangement' was performed by his youngest son and standard bearer, Seun Anikulapo Kuti, and Fela's Egypt 80. Seun Kuti subsequently accepted the inaugural MAMA Legend Award in honour of his late father. Celebrated awards host, DJ and broadcaster, Trevor Nelson maintained a firm hand on the tiller, continuing MTV award tradition by participating in a number of humorous skits, including an exchange with Nigerian superstar footballer JJ Okocha, while cutting a dash in multiple costume changes including traditional Nigerian attire tailored specially for him.
Performers at the MAMAs included 9ice, Asa, Cassette, Seun Anikulapo Kuti & Egypt 80, HHP, Jozi, P Square, Kelly Rowland, D'Banj, Flo Rida, The Game, Jua Cali, Naeto C and Ikechukwu.
Guest presenters at the Awards include 9ice, DJ Cleo, Goldfish, Sasha, Loyiso, Dama do Bling, Zonke, Samini, Wahu, Noni Gasa,JJ Okocha, East Africa Bashment Crew and MTV VJ Cynthia. DJ Kofi was on the spot as the resident DJ for the show.
The winners of the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain each received an iconic 'Golden Microphone' trophy featuring a retro pop microphone emerging triumphantly from a globe of the world, with the African continent placed triumphantly at the top.
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