MAKING its way to South Africa for the first time will be the MTV Africa Music Awards (Mamas) KwaZulu-Natal, known by many as the one-of-a-kind music awards show. Brought to you by the KZN Province and supported by Absolut, the Mamas will be held at the Durban International Conventional Centre (ICC), on Saturday, June 7.
According to a press release, this year’s Mamas will celebrate musicians and achievers who have had the most effect on African youth culture during the year. It will feature dazzling performances from African and international artists, including the awards’ signature collaborations between artists of different genres and cultures.
A press conference was held at the Southern Sun, Elangeni and Maharani Hotel, in Durban, to launch the Mamas and reveal what could be expected in June. Some of Africa’s finest artists attended including Zakes Bantwini, The Arrows’ Pam de Menezes (pictured with Mi Casa vocalist, J-Something top right), Mi Casa, DJ Tira, rapper Da Les, Nigerian recording artist Flavour (pictured bottom right) and more.
Alex Okosi, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa; Desmond Golding, Head of Department of Economic Development and Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Province; Conor McQuaid, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard South Africa and Tim Horwood, Channel Director, MTV Base were also present.
Okosi said: “We are thrilled that the MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal will be taking place in South Africa for the first time in its new evolution.
“KwaZulu-Natal is rich in both infrastructure and amazing sights, and we are excited that Durban will be the backdrop for showcasing Africa’s best talent to the world.”
As the channel director of MTV Base, Horwood explained the procedure for the Mamas. The awards are open to all artists whose music videos have been accepted for airplay on MTV Base or MTV between March 20 last year and March 19 this year.
Artists will be recognised in 13 categories including Best Male, Best Female and Best New Act. Three new “lifestyle” awards will be added including the Mama Leadership Award, Personality of the Year and Transform Today by Absolute (which celebrates the power of young individuals to transform the image of Africa through their creativity and vision).
The nominees will be revealed on April 16 .
• The Mamas will premiere on MTV Base (DStv channel 322), MTV (DStv channel 130) and partner channels in Africa in June. See mama.mtv.com or www.mtvbase.com.