Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa and MTV Base has held the press conference for the MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016 (MAMA) at the Hilton Sandton , Johannesburg, South Africa (October 21, 2016).
The MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016, will take place at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg on 22 October 2016, and the press conference which reflected talent from the length and breadth of the African continent, had stars come reveal their expectations from the event.
Wizkid, Falz, Patoranking Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Ycee and a host of stars were at the event.
Wizkid (MTV)
Stonebwoy is currently in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards. The Dancehall singer is nominated in the ‘Best Live’ category. He faces stiff competition in the category as he is up against Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Flavour (Nigeria) and Mafikizolo (South Africa) for that award.
“It’s just the growth you know, we thank God to be alive to be participating again at the MAMAs. We wish for more of this to come,” Stonebwoy says.
Sarkodie, the veteran Ghanaian rapper is nominated in the ‘Best Collaboration’ category for Nigerian Patoranking’s song “No Kissing”. All he feels is happiness and gratitude for being on the big stage again.
“It feels great to be back again, to be at the MAMAs again to be recognized,” Sark told Pulse. “We’ve been in the game for a while. Over the years, being appreciated by Africa, there’s no word to explain that. I thank the fans, and I thank the MAMAs for keeping us in there.”
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).
Patoranking (MTV)
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.
