2008 MAMAs a Massive Success
The MTV Music Awards may have originally been held in only one location, but today they are held on every continent in order to recognize the musical achievements of people in those lands. Africa is no exception, and the first ever MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) were held in Abuja, Nigeria, recently.
“MAMA” is perhaps the most appropriate acronym for this awards ceremony as it is held in ‘mother Africa’. The MTV Africa Music Awards also nourishes the music industry and rewards hard work during the course of the past year. The MAMAs were created by MTV’s African music channel ‘MTV base’ and is meant to be a celebration of African contemporary music.
This year’s MAMAs saw female artist Wahu from Kenya walking away with the Best Female Award. The night’s biggest winner, however, was D’Banj who took home three MAMA awards, namely: The Best Male award, The Artist of the Year and the Listener’s Choice award. Ikechukwu (Nigeria) won the Best Video award for his ‘Wind Am Well’ video, while Alicia Keys (USA) was given the Best R&B award. Internationally recognized alternative band Seether (South Africa) was given the Best Alternative award, and hip-hop group Jozi (South Africa) got the Best Live award. Nigeria also wasn’t to be left out with Nigerian musicians Neto C (Best New Act) and P Square (Best Group) each taking home a golden microphone. Other winners were 9ice (Nigeria – Best Hip Hop) and Jide Rotilu (My Video).
The show was presented by Zain Group Communications and Mwambu Wanendeya spoke for the company when he said: “The passion shown by the audience at the show and throughout the concerts in Kinshasa, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos and Abuja has been amazing. Zain is proud to have given people around the world the opportunity to see and hear some of Africa’s most talented musicians.”
Other exciting moments of the awards ceremony where when Kelly Rowland and D’Banj took to the stage in a riveting duet, and when recently deceased musical giant Miriam Makeba, who is also affectionately known as Mama Africa, was paid homage to. The late Afro Beat star Fela Anikuplapo Kuti was also remembered when his son performed his Army Arrangement track and accepted the MAMA Legend Award in honor of his farther. Clearly the first annual MAMA awards were a massive success.
