Nigerians, Kenyans top MTV Africa awards
Last Updated: Sunday, October 11, 2009 | 4:45 PM ET
CBC News
Nigerian Rapper MI and his group perform after receiving the best new artist award at the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) in Nairobi on Saturday night. He also took home best hip hop artist. (Noor Khamis/Reuters)Kenyan and Nigerian musicians were the toast of the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), nabbing most of the trophies at the gala event in Nairobi.
The MAMAs, which were inaugurated in Abuja, Nigeria, last year, were held Saturday night at Moi International Sport Centre in the capital city.
Kenyan performers Amani took the best female award, while David Mathenge, a.k.a. Nameless, won in the best male artist as well as the listeners choice category.
However, the top prize of the evening, artist of the year, was handed to Nigerian D'Banj. He was also a big winner last year, capturing the same accolade as well as best male artist.
"This is one voice, one tribe, this is Africa — all of us together," proclaimed D'Banj in his acceptance speech.
Fellow Nigerian, rapper MI, took home two prizes: best new act and top hip hop artist.
Reggae star Lucky Dube honoured
The gala was hosted by American hip hop singer Wyclef Jean, who also presented a Legend trophy to the son of late South African reggae star Lucky Dube. The musician was gunned down in a carjacking incident two years ago in his country.
“I had a chance to meet Lucky Dube when I was visiting the West Indies," said Jean, who was born in Haiti.
"What I am to my people in Haiti and what Bob Marley is to the Jamaicans is what Lucky was to Africa."
Other winners included:
- Best alternative act: Zebra & Giraffe (South Africa).
- Best group: P Square (Nigeria).
- Best performer: Samini (Ghana).
- Best video: HHP (South Africa).
African musicians say they're happy to participate in an event that highlights the positive aspects of the continent, which doesn't always end up in the news.
"So many times we have such negative publicity," noted Kenyan performer Wahu, who won best female hip hop artist last year. "Lots of hunger, lots of starvation, that sort of thing. But there's so many beautiful things like our music."
