Munya Vomo
So far we’ve ticked off the Metro FM Music Awards and the South African Music Awards from our calendars, but there is still a lot to look forward to.
Take the MTV Africa Music Awards (Mamas) for instance. By the look of things the ceremony is set to be the event of the year.
There are a lot of firsts that come with this showcase, including the fact that they will be held in South Africa for the first time. So next weekend the music world will descend on Durban to share with us one of the biggest music award ceremonies of the year. This is simply because unlike the others, there is wide international interest when it comes to the Mamas and perhaps this has to do with the MTV Africa brand.
Funnyman Marlon Wayans has agreed to host the awards and follows in the footsteps of fellow stars Wyclef Jean and Eve.
Wearing many hats as an actor, stand-up comedian, producer and director, among other things, Wayans will be in his element when he steps up to the mic as host. He has done a lot of work with his equally talented brothers, Shawn, Damon and Keenen-Ivory, including unforgettable material like Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking your Juice in the Hood, White Chicks and the TV show In Living Colour. As an individual Marlon went on to carve his own reputation in projects outside his comfort zone by starring in movies like Senseless and GI Joe. So we are talking about one of Hollywood’s finest coming to our first MTV Africa Music Awards party.
“Marlon Wayans is a hugely popular entertainment figure known and loved by African audiences,” said Alex Okosi, senior vice-president and managing director of Viacom International Media Networks Africa.
While the comedian will be a highlight at the event, he will not be the only one. In keeping with previous standards when the awards attracted people like Rick Ross, Kelly Rowland and T-Pain, this year’s event will also see some incredible international talent grace our stage. One of these people will be Trey Songz, the R&B singer who is almost every women’s (and some guys’) dream.
Although he was here not too long ago, the singer has agreed to return to croon his classics which will include Your Side of the Bed and Say Aah.
“We are thrilled that Trey Songz will be joining the stellar line-up in Durban on June 7 and contributing his signature R&B style to the wide range of music genres represented at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards,” said Okosi.
The R&B singer may have travelled across the world and back, but he remembers the last time he was here and is looking forward to doing it all over again.
“I’m excited to finally be going back to Durban. I went once just for a day, but this time I’m spending more time to get to know the people and the culture. I can’t wait to perform at the awards show, especially since it’s live for the first time. It’s going to be amazing to feel the energy when I’m on that stage and see some of the best talent Africa has to offer.”
If the ladies don’t get enough of Trey Songz they can also fight over another equally talented musician, Miguel. The Grammy Award winner has also agreed to return to South Africa to be part of the Mamas and there is no doubt he will put on an electrifying performance.
“What I love most about Africa are the people and the spirit there. What makes me most proud to be involved in the Mamas is the feeling that my music has reached further than I imagined it could. It’s inspiring,” said the singer.
There is probably someone reading this and wondering why there isn’t some hip hop flavour on the line-up.
Well, TV Africa had that in mind and French Montana is the answer to your concerns.
The rapper, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, is undoubtedly at the top of his game and will be coming to South Africa for the first time.
“We are thrilled that French Montana will be joining Miguel and Africa’s most exciting contempo-rary artists in KwaZulu-Natal (next month) for the MTV Africa Music Awards. (The Mamas) are on track to be the most exciting music awards ceremony ever staged on the African continent,” said Okosi.
Local and continental talent to look out for include Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Flavour and Oskido.
The Mamas will be held at the International Convention Centre in Durban on June 7. Tickets are on sale at Computicket or Shoprite outlets, online or call 0861 915 8000. Seated tickets cost R450, while general access (standing) tickets cost R200.
The Mamas will air live across Africa at 9pm on MTV Base (DStv channel 322) and MTV (DStv channel 130).
WIN! WIN! WIN!
Tonight, in collaboration with MTV Africa, are giving away 10 double tickets to lucky readers. To win, simply name one international act who is coming to the 2014 Mamas. Please note, this competition is open only to Durban residents. Send your answers to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, June 4.