All roads led to the Durban this past weekend for the MAMAS 2014, MTV managed to host a good show even though the host couldn’t pronounce most of the artists and presenters names which meant that he didn’t rehearse,
Trey Song’z mic wasn’t working when he was performing on stage at some point but other than that it was an interesting show. A star-studded line up of African and international talent rocked the Africa continent on the 7th of June at the fourth edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal. The Awards is a celebration of music, youth culture and lifestyle.
Durban’s International Conference Centre resounded to electrifying live performances by Fally Ipupa, Michael Lowman, Don Jazzy, DJ Clock, Beatenberg, DJ Kent, Big Nuz, Toofan, D’Banj, DJ Vigi, DJ Tira, DJ Buckz, Burna Boy, Sauti Sol, Ice Prince, Sarkodie,
The Arrows, Khuli Chana, Dr Sid, French Montana, Miguel, Trey Songz, Davido, Uhuru, Mafikizolo, Oskido, Professor, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Diamond, Phyno and Yuri da Cunha.
Davido, Mafikozolo, Uhuru and Clarence Peters were the big winners of the evening at the awards. Quadruple nominees Mafikizolo triumphed in the Best Group and Song of The Year categories, while Davido took home two awards, for Best Male and Artist of the Year.
Uhuru was recognised for Best Collaboration for his part in “Y-tjukutja” by Uhuru Ft. Oskido, DJ Bucks, Professor and Yuri Da Cunha, and in Song of the Year. Nigerian video director Clarence Peters won two awards.
In this year’s newly introduced lifestyle award categories, Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o took home the award for Personality of the Year, while The inaugural MTV Base Leadership award was won by Tanzanian entrepreneur Ashish J. Thakkar.
Other highlights of the evening included a moving acoustic guitar tribute to the late, great Nelson Mandela by Afro-Soul star Simphiwe Dana, who performed in front of a giant timelapse video artwork by street artist Rasty, while Ladysmith Black Mambazo brought the house to its feet with their unexpected mash up “Acappello” and “Y-tjukutja”. The uplifting music spectacular culminated with all the artists assembled on stage for a medley of French Montana songs including “Pop That”, “Freaks” and “Ain’t Worried About Nothin!”
Marlon Wayans hosted MAMA 2014 with his trademark humour, making a triumphant entrance on a blinged-up rickshaw and engaging the audience with his easy charm. Celebrity guests who handed out the glittering new MAMA trophy at the show included French Montana, D’Banj, Nomzamo Mbatha, Goldfish, DJ Fresh, John Vlismas, Kajal Bagwandeen, Emmanuel Adebayo, DJ Edu, Minnie Dlamini, Sizwe Dhlomo, Dorcas Shola Fapson, DJ C’ndo, Efya, Omotola and Riaad Moosa.
Heavy K
Khuli Chana with his partner
Mafikizolo
Nomzamo Mbatha
The Parlotones
Sizwe Dhlomo
Thando Thabethe
The Arrows
Zandile Tembe
