By William Oyo-Ita 19 July 2015
The MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal 2015, brought to you by KwaZulu-Natal Province in association with Absolut Vodka andin partnership with The City of Durban, returns to the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on Saturday 18 July 2015.
South African comedian and newly appointed Daily Show host Trevor Noahtriumphed in Personality of the Year. Patoranking won Best New Act Transformed by Absolut, given in recognition of new and emerging artists. Saran Kaba Jones andS’Bu Mavundla shared equal honours for the MTV Base Leadership award.
Stunning collaborations between artists of different genres saw NE-YO take to the stage with Seyi Shay, 2Face collaborating with Bucie, Sauti Sol pairing up with Yemi Alade and Patoranking swapping beats with K.O. The show ended on a high with a jubilant medley mash-up by Artist of the Decade winners P-Square, featuring hit tracks “Personally”, “Chop My Money”, “Alingo” and “Shekini”. Other performers included DJ Fisherman, NaakmusiQ, DJ Tira, Anselmo Ralph, Danger from Big Nuz, Duncan, Burna Boy, Stonebwoy, Da LES, Diamond, Flavour, Toofan, D’Banj, Davido, Uhuru, Black Motion and Cassper Nyovest.
Emmy award nominated actor, Anthony Anderson captivated the 5,000-strongMAMA audience with his lively humour, engaging charisma and unexpected outfit changes – including a booty-licious transformation into Nicki Minaj, as he accepted the Best International Actaward on her behalf.
Commenting after the show, Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, said: “Africa is a continent of the now and the future; tonight was testament to that. MAMA 2015 represented and reflected the abundant amount of creativity and passion this continent breeds.”
The MAMA 2015 coincided with the nationwide celebration of the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday, a fact that was touched on by artists in the show.
Walking the red carpet at the awards were nominees Bonang Matheba, HHP,Chameleone, Dreamteam, HHP, Riky Rick, Samini, OC Ukeje, Bebe Cool, Mpumi, Jovi, Uhuru and Vanessa Mdee. Other famous faces included comedian Trevor Gumbi, Nigerian OAP Toolz, MTV Shuga star and Mr Nigeria Emmanuel Ikbese, BET “Top Actor” winner Altovise Lawrence, Miss South Africa Liesl Laurie, Boity, Khuli Chana, Joselyn Dumas, Jessica Nkosi, actress Zikhona Sodlaka, and MTV Base VJs Sizwe, Nomuzi, Ehiz and Sandile.
2015 MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARD WINNERS:
Best Female: Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Male: Davido (Nigeria)
Best Group: P-Square (Nigeria)
Best New Act Transformed by Absolut: Patoranking (Nigeria)
Best Hip Hop: Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
Best Collaboration: AKA, Burna Boy, Da LES & JR: “All Eyes On Me” (SA/Nigeria)
Song of the Year: Mavins: “Dorobucci” (Nigeria)
Best Live: Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Video of the Year: “Nafukwa” – Riky Rick; Director: Adriaan Louw
Best Pop & Alternative: Jeremy Loops (South Africa)
Best Francophone: DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast)
Best Lusophone: Ary (Angola)
Personality of the Year: Trevor Noah (South Africa)
MAMA Evolution: D’Banj (Nigeria)
Best International: Nicki Minaj
Artist of the Decade: P-Square
MTV Base Leadership Award: Saran Kaba Jones & S’Bu Mavundla