The maiden edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMA) exploded live on Saturday 22 November 2008 at The Velodrome in Abuja, Nigeria. The ‘Koko Master’ D’banj was the biggest winner on the nigh with three MAMA ‘Golden Microphones’ for Best Male, Artist of the Year and Listener’s Choice. Kenya’s most sought after female artist, Wahu, took home Best Female. Best Video went to Ikechukwu from Nigeria for his video – Wind Am Well, while Alicia Keys won the honours in Best R&B. South African alternative act, Seether, took home the gong for Best Alternative while energetic hip hop outfit Jozi were a popular choice for Best Live. Best New Act was won by Naeto C from Nigeria while fellow countrymen, P Square, beat off the competition in Best Group.
Highlights of the star-studded awards show included an electrifying duet between Kelly Rowland and triple award winner, D’Banj. Other moments to savour included an energetic music ‘duel’ and dance-off between Nigerian R&B duo, P Squar,e and Jozi, a heartfelt solo from soul siren Asa, and showstopping hip hop master classes from Flo Rida and The Game.
The most poignant moment of the night came when MTV paid homage to two of Africa’s most beloved and influential music giants including ‘MAMA Africa’, Miriam Makeba, who passed away earlier in November. Another African music great spotlighted was legendary Afro Beat star Fela Anikulapo Kuti, whose seminal track ‘Army Arrangement’ was performed by his youngest son and standard bearer, Seun Anikulapo Kuti, and Fela’s Egypt 80. Seun Kuti subsequently accepted the inaugural MAMA Legend Award in honour of his late father. Jide Rotilu also won the ‘My Video’ award.
Celebrated awards host, DJ and broadcaster, Trevor Nelson maintained a firm hand on the tiller, continuing MTV award tradition by participating in a number of humorous skits, including an exchange with Nigerian superstar footballer JJ Okocha, while cutting a dash in multiple costume changes including traditional Nigerian attire tailored specially for him.
Performers at the MAMAs included 9ice, Asa, Cassette, Seun Anikulapo Kuti & Egypt 80, HHP, Jozi, P Square, Kelly Rowland, D’Banj, Flo Rida, The Game, Jua Cali, Naeto C and Ikechukwu. Guest presenters at the Awards include 9ice, DJ Cleo, Goldfish, Sasha, Loyiso, Dama do Bling, Zonke, Samini, Wahu, Noni Gasa,JJ Okocha, East Africa Bashment Crew and MTV VJ Cynthia. DJ Kofi was on the spot as the resident DJ for the show.
The winners of the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain each received an iconic ‘Golden Microphone’ trophy featuring a retro pop microphone emerging triumphantly from a globe of the world, with the African continent placed triumphantly at the top. The MTV Africa Music Awards will air around the world everywhere that MTV is shown and premieres in Africa on DStv Channel 322 and GTV Saturday 29 November, 19:30 – 21:00 CAT.
