The 2015 edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) will hold at the International Convention Centre (ICC) of KwaZulu-Natal Province of Durban, South Africa, on July 18.
This was disclosed at a news conference held simultaneously in Lagos and Durban on Thursday by representatives of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and officials of the government of KwaZulu- Natal.
The 2014 edition of the MAMA, which saw Nigeria’s Davido crowned the ‘Artiste of the Year’, was also held in Durban.
According to the organizers, the awards ceremony, which is in its 5th season will also be used to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of VIMN and its channel, MTV Base in Africa.
They said that MAMA 2015 would have “Evolution” as its theme and would award musicians and achievers who had made the most impact on African youth culture over the last 12 months.
The organizers said the award would also celebrate the development of the continent’s talent and creativity over the last 10 years, adding that the ceremony would feature performances from African and international artists along with unique collaborations.
MAMA 2015 will celebrate African talent across 17 award categories such as Best Male Artiste, Best Female Artiste, Best Song and Best New Act.
The contribution of artists from Portuguese and French-speaking Africa will also be recognised in the Best Lusophone and Best Francophone categories.
Additional categories include the “MAMA Leadership Award” and “Personality of the Year”.
The nominees for the awards will be revealed on June 11.
Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, said: “We are thrilled that the MTV Africa Music Awards will be returning to Durban and KwaZulu-Natal on July 18, a date famous for being the birthday of Nelson Mandela.
“What better day could there be for staging this inspirational celebration of African achievement and creativity that showcases Africa’s best talent on the world stage?’’ he asked.
Desmond Golding, Head of Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Province, said: “In 2014, the world saw how Durban and KwaZulu-Natal leveraged global events such as the MTV Africa Music Awards to realize our tourism goals.
“By attracting ground-breaking events like the MAMA to KwaZulu-Natal and Durban, we will be able to make a significant contribution to economic growth and tourism in the region.’’
Head of Durban Tourism, Phillip Sithole, said: “It is a tremendous honour for the city of Durban to be the host city once again for the much anticipated MTV Africa Music Awards. We look forward to an unforgettable event in Durban and may MAMA continue to be the best platform to bring Africa together on our shores and allow our continent to enjoy the unique flavours of Durban.”
Mr. Sithole, who spoke via satellite from Durban also reacted to a question by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) about the feelings of the government of KwaZulu-Natal on the xenophobic attacks in his province.
He said that those who participated in the act were not representatives of the people of KwaZulu-Natal or their feelings toward other Africans.
He also said that perpetrators of the act were being arrested and would all be brought to book and promised that his province would be a safe and welcoming city to Africa during the awards.
The awards will have three surrounding events featuring MAMA nominees and superstar DJs to be held in Durban on June 27; Lagos, July 3 and Kenya, August 1.
Another key element of MAMA 2015 will be a workshop for aspiring musicians in the week prior to the awards.
Some African stars who have been awarded at the events are 2Face Idibia, Big Nuz, Davido, D’Banj, Flavour, Gangs of Ballet, HHP, Fally Ipupa, Liquideep, Mafikizolo, Lira, Nameless and Lupita Nyong’o.
Others are Clarence Peters, Diamond Platnumz, Anselmo Ralph, Sarkodie, P-Square, Tiwa Savage, Cabo Snoop, Toofan, Zebra & Giraffe, Uhuru, Wahu, and many more.
The MTV Africa Music Awards 2015 will broadcast live on MTV Base and MTV on Saturday, July 18.
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