OVER the years, people outside South Africa felt that the Channel O Music Video Awards were designed for only the South African market. Although meant to be an African affair, the annual event is hosted on South African soil and features local hosts. This has now changed with the inclusion of Nigerian actress, the striking Eku Edewor-Thorley.
“I am really excited that I am co-hosting the Channel O Awards. I was nervous at first, but am okay now. I was nervous not because I thought I could not do it, but because it is such a big platform. Now that we are getting closer to it I am just hoping that we get it over and done with,” said Edewor-Thorley.
She will be thrown into the deep end as she has to co-host with Siya “Scoop” Ngwekazi who is a seasoned presenter with a longstanding relationship with Channel O.
“I just met him when we shot the promo in South Africa and I think he was such a good pairing. We bounced off each other really well because he has an open mind and we worked well together. Co-hosting is really tough because some people aren’t used to it so they are not good at sharing a platform, but I didn’t get that with Scoop. I would say something impromptu and he’d take it up and it all felt like a natural conversation,” she said.
Looking into the nominations list for this year, Edewor-Thorley was elated at the fact that her home country was represented.
“I think it’s a reflection of how music is consumed across the continent. It just so happens that at the moment the Nigerian sound is dominating so it makes sense that people are drawn to it. Also, we are the most populated country on the continent so we have most of the votes.
“I do think that the nominees coming from other countries also stand out in their categories. I think it all ends in people’s voting habits because that is what these artists depend on to win,” she explained.
Edewor-Thorley said she is looking forward to the live performances on the night, including those from South Africans acts.
“They haven’t told me who is going to be performing yet, but I know that Tiwa (Savage) might. The last time I went to the awards I saw Khuli Chana. I was like, ‘This is the best thing ever’ yet I didn’t know the song. I hope that happens this time.”
When it comes to South African music reaching Nigeria (and neighbouring countries), Edewor-Thorley said that it is happening, although more could be done.
“I think when collaborations happen, artists merge their worlds. Mafikizolo have done this very welll. We need more and more of these type of collaborations and perhaps the support of radio,” she said.
• Catch Eku Edewor-Thorley and Siya Ngwekazi as they host the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards on November 29. The awards will air live on Channel O (DStv channel 320) from 7pm.