Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, AKA, Babes Wodumo, Cassper Nyovest & Emtee Set The Pace At The MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016

Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Aka, Babes Wodumo, Cassper Nyovest & Emtee Set The Pace At The MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016

VIMN Africa & MTV Base Reveal Final Stage Of Nominations for October 22 Pan-African Music Spectacular

Voting Live At www.mtvbase.com & Google

Johannesburg/Lagos, 3 October 2016: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa and MTV Base (DStv channel 322) revealed the final round of nominations for the forthcoming MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016 (MAMA) at the Hard Rock Café, Lagos, Nigeria during the Road to MAMA – Lagos 2016 (2 October 2016).

The MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016, taking place at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg on 22 October 2016, is brought to you by Joburg Tourism in partnership with Absolut Vodka and Google and in association with MTN and DStv.

Reflecting talent from the length and breadth of the African continent, the second round of nominations revealed nominees in 7 award categories including Artist of the Year, Best Female, Listener’s Choice, Best Breakthrough, Best Francophone, Song of the Year in partnership with Google, and Video of the Year.

Setting the pace in the prestigious Artist of the Year category are Nigerian artists Wizkid and Yemi Alade, who go head to head against South Africa’s Black Coffee, Kenyan group Sauti Sol and Tanzanian artist Diamond.

The year’s most unforgettable songs are highlighted in Song of the Year in partnership with Google, where “Shaktibobo” by Olamide (Nigeria) squares up against “Reggae Blues” by Harrysongz feat Olamide, Kcee & Iyanya, Orezi (Nigeria), “My Woman, My Everything” by Patoranking feat. Wande Coal (Nigeria), “Godwin” – Korede Bello (Nigeria), “Ngud” – Kwesta feat. Cassper (South Africa), “Roll Up Re-Up” – Emtee feat. Wizkid and AKA (South Africa/Nigeria), “Soweto Baby” by DJ Maphorisa feat. Wizkid (South Africa/Nigeria), “Baddest” – AKA feat. Burna Boy, Khuli Chana, Yanga (South Africa/Nigeria), “Wololo” – Babes Wodumo feat. Mampintsha (South Africa), “Coller la Petite” – Franko (Cameroon) and “Unconditionally bae” – Sauti Sol feat. Alikiba (Kenya/Tanzania).

Contenders for the Best Video category include former MAMA honouree Clarence Peters, who scored a nod for Tiwa Savage’s “If I Start to Talk”, which goes up against the Kyle Lewis directed “Jump” (Anatii & Cassper feat. Nasty C), Daniel Levi’s “Caviar Dreams” for AL Bairre & PhFAT, “Kisasi Kumi” directed by Sasha Vybz on behalf of Sheeba, and Congolese artist Youssoupha’s “Niquer Ma Vie”, directed jointly by Antony Abdelli & Jose Eon.

Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage notched up a second nomination in the Best Female category where she faces strong opposition from fellow countrywoman Yemi Alade, Josey (Ivory Coast), Mz Vee (Ghana) and Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania).

Representing the artistry of Africa’s French-speaking nations, Franko (Cameroon) finds himself pitted against fellow countryman Magasco, in Best Francophone alongside J-Rio of Gabon, Ivory Coast’s Serge Beynaud and Togolese duo Toofan.

Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, “This year’s nominations are truly pan-African, coming from all corners of the continent, and honouring artists and achievers from more countries than ever before. We congratulate all our nominees from North, East, West, Central and Southern Africa as we count down the weeks to MAMA 2016.”

Voting for MAMA 2016 is underway at www.mtvbase.com and affiliated Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts. Additionally, fans can vote for Best Breakthrough, Song of the Year, Best Group, and Best International Act by simply searching for “MTV MAMA” on Google. Voting in all categories closes at 22:59 WAT/23.59 CAT on 19 October 2016.

Guests at the MAMA 2016 nominations party were entertained with sizzling performances by MAMA nominees Patoranking, Ycee, Nasty C and Simi, alongside rising stars Skales, Runtown and Koker.DJs Xclusive, Humility, Kaywise, Hazan and TTB kept the dance-floor packed to capacity. The event was attended by a host of artists, celebrities and other glitterati, while MTV Base VJ Ehiz and Uchi Agbai shared the hosting duties.

Mama 2016 Nominations (Part 2)
Artist Of The Year
Black Coffee (South Africa)
Diamond (Tanzania)
Sauti Sol (Kenya)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

Best Female
Josey (Ivory Coast)
Mz Vee (Ghana)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

Best Breakthrough
Babes Wodumo (South Africa)
Emtee (South Africa)
Falz (Nigeria)
Franko (Cameroon)
Nasty C (South Africa)
Nathi (South Africa)
Raymond (Tanzania)
Simi (Nigeria)
Tekno (Nigeria)

Best Francophone
Franko (Cameroon)
J-Rio (Gabon)
Magasco (Cameroon)
Serge Beynaud (Ivory Coast)
Toofan (Togo)

Listener’s Choice
Adiouza (Senegal)
Bebe Cool (Uganda)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Den G (Liberia)
EL (Ghana)
Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
Jay Rox (Zambia)
Kansoul (Kenya)
Kiss Daniel (Nigeria)
Lij Michael (Ethiopia)
LXG (Sierra Leone)
Meddy (Rwanda)
Messias Marioca (Mozambique)
Prince Kaybee (South Africa)
Reda Taliani (Algeria)
Saad Lamjarred (Morocco)
Sabri Mosbah (Tunisia)
Sidiki Diabate (Mali)
Tamer Hosny (Egypt)
The Dogg (Namibia)
Yamoto Band (Tanzania)

Song Of The Year In Partnership With Google
“Shaktibobo” – Olamide (Nigeria)
“Reggae Blues” – Harrysongz feat Olamide, Kcee & Iyanya, Orezi (Nigeria)
“My Woman, My Everything” – Patoranking feat. Wande Coal (Nigeria)
“Godwin” – Korede Bello (Nigeria)
“Ngud” – Kwesta feat. Cassper (South Africa)
“Roll Up Re-Up” – Emtee feat. Wizkid and AKA (South Africa/Nigeria)
“Soweto Baby” – DJ Maphorisa feat. Wizkid (South Africa/Nigeria)
“Baddest” – AKA feat. Burna Boy, Khuli Chana, Yanga (South Africa/Nigeria)
“Wololo” – Babes Wodumo feat. Mampintsha (South Africa)
“Coller la Petite“ – Franko (Cameroon)
“Unconditionally bae” – Sauti Sol feat. Alikiba (Kenya/Tanzania)

Video Of The Year
“Jump” – Anatii & Cassper feat. Nasty C (South Africa); Director: Kyle Lewis
“Caviar Dreams” – AL Bairre & PhFAT (South Africa); Director: Daniel Levi
“If I Start to Talk” – Tiwa Savage feat. Dr Sid (South Africa); Director: Clarence Peters
“Kisasi Kumi” – Sheeba (Uganda) – Director: Sasha Vybz
“Niquer Ma Vie“ – Youssoupha (Congo) – Director: Antony Abdelli & Jose Eon

No nominations are to be revealed for the MTV Base Reimagined award and MAMA Legend awards which are decided exclusively by MTV Base.
Tickets for the MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016 are on sale now priced from ZAR 250 (standing only) via www.ticketpros.co.za, at Ticketpro retail outlets or dealers at www.mtvbase.com. Over 18s only.

DStv, e.tv and Metro FM are the official South African media partners of the MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016.

For more information on the MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016, please go to www.mtvbase.com or www.mtv.co.za like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MTVBaseVerified, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @MTVBaseAfrica. To join the conversation about the awards please use the hashtag #MTVMAMA2016.

Previously announced nominees for MAMA 2016, revealed 25 September 2016, were:

Best Male
AKA (South Africa)
Black Coffee (South Africa)
Diamond (Tanzania)
Patoranking (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best Live
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
Eddy Kenzo (Uganda)
Flavour (Nigeria)
Mafikizolo (South Africa)
Stonebwoy (Ghana)

Best Group
Mi Casa (South Africa)
Navy Kenzo (Tanzania)
R2bees (Ghana)
Sauti Sol (Kenya)
Toofan (Togo)

Best Collaboration in partnership with Absolut
AKA feat. Burna Boy, Khuli Chana & Yanga – “Baddest” (South Africa/Nigeria)
DJ Maphorisa feat. Wizkid & DJ Bucks – “Soweto Baby” ((South Africa/Nigeria)
Nasty C feat. Davido, Cassper – “Juice Back Remix” (Nigeria/South Africa)
Patoranking feat. Sarkodie – “No Kissing” (Nigeria/Ghana)
Sauti Sol feat. Alikiba – “Unconditionally Bae” (Kenya/Tanzania)

Best Hip Hop in association with MTN
Emtee (South Africa)
Kiff No Beat (Ivory Coast)
Olamide (Nigeria)
Riky Rick (South Africa)
Ycee (Nigeria)

Best Pop/Alternative
Desmond & The Tutus (South Africa)
LCNVL (South Africa)
Shekinah (South Africa) / Kyle Deutsch (South Africa)
Timo ODV (South Africa)
Tresor (DRC)

Best Lusophone
C4 Pedro (Angola)
NGA (Angola)
Lizha James (Mozambique)
Nelson Freitas (Netherlands/Cape Verde)
Preto Show (Angola)

Personality of the Year in association with DStv
Caster Semenya (South Africa)
Linda Ikeji (Nigeria)
Pearl Thusi (South Africa)
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best International
Adele (UK)
Beyoncé (USA)
Drake (Canada)
Future (USA)
Rihanna (Barbados)

About MTV
MTV is the world’s premiere youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of nearly 785 million households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. Outside of the United States, MTV is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all platforms.

About Johannesburg
Johannesburg, also known as Joburg, Jozi or Egoli (“Place of Gold”), is the economic powerhouse of Africa, gateway to many parts of the world – and home to 4.6 million people. Over 55 international airlines link the city to major centres worldwide, making Johannesburg one of the most accessible centres on the continent. Now proudly taking its place as Africa’s most visited city for three consecutive years (2013, 2014 & 2015 – according to the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index), Joburg is growing at an unprecedented rate, constantly and continuously transforming itself. Joburg, also offers a plethora of cultural, leisure, sporting, fashion and lifestyle activities that are fast making the city the leading destination for both leisure and business tourists. Joburg’s legendary shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife are complemented by fabulous weather, as well as an astonishing array of facilities including spectacular golf courses, gyms, spas and wellness centres that add to its appeal as a destination.
Aside from being Africa’s Most Visited City, the stature of Johannesburg is underscored by the many accolades that it has received, including:

• The “Most Popular African City” overall for young people aged 15-to-29 in 2015 – Youthful Cities Index
• SA’s wealthiest city
• The Best City in South Africa for Business
• The New Cool Capital of the Southern Hemisphere (GQ Magazine, UK – 2015)

For further information please go to www.joburgtourism.com or contact +27 87 151 2950

About ABSOLUT Vodka
On every bottle of ABSOLUT, you will find the portrait of an extraordinary entrepreneur and the founder of the world’s most iconic vodka brand: Lars Olsson Smith. In 1879, at 43, he created the purest vodka that gave birth to the ABSOLUT brand we know today. His superior vodka blend was made out of a distinct character of grain using a revolutionary distilling method called continuous distillation. ABSOLUT’s reputation as a premium vodka applies the simple concept of “One Source”. This means that the sourcing of all natural ingredients to the bottling of the final product is completed at one location to maintain the highest levels of quality and production, i.e.Åhus, Sweden.

About MTN Group
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 June 2016, MTN recorded 233 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. Visit us at www.mtn.com.

About Google
Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google’s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more information, visit Google at Google Africa G+ page or the Google Africa Blog: google-africa.blogspot.com. You can also follow Google’s Africa team on Twitter: twitter.com/googleafrica.

About DStv
Over 5.7 million South Africans invite DStv into their homes every day. With a sporting offering that is unrivalled, blockbuster movies, children’s entertainment, independent news channels and the most awarded series, as well as the best of local content, it’s not surprising that DStv continues to grow its customer base every year. DStv delivers this content through a range of different platforms – from its flagship Explora decoder to its DStv Now app. The additional services it offers such as streaming live television and Catch Up on DStv Now app, its DStv Catch Up and BoxOffice service, puts its offering amongst the best on demand providers in the world.