Stars of the African and international music industry came out in force tonight in KwaZuluNatal, South Africa for the 5th uplifting edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal. Saluting and championing African music, youth culture and achievement, MAMA 2015 brought the continent together for a massive celebration contemporary music and creativity, including electrifying performances, collaborations and awards presentations.

The MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal 2015, brought to you by KwaZulu-Natal Province in association with Absolut Vodka and in partnership with The City of Durban, returns to the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on Saturday, 18 July 2015.

The big winners on the night included Nigerian stars, Yemi Alade and DavidO, who took home the Best Female and Best Male awards respectively, while Hip-Hop star, Cassper Nyovest nabbed the Best Hip-Hop award. Koko Master, D’banj, won the MAMA Evolution award, a new category honouring established artists who have made an indelible mark on African and global music culture, taken African music to new territories around the world, pushed the boundaries of creativity, and shaped the sound-scape of contemporary Africa.

South African comedian and newly appointed Daily Show host, Trevor Noah triumphed in Personality of the YearPatoranking won Best New Act Transformed by Absolut, given in recognition of new and emerging artists.  Saran Kaba Jones and S’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 Idibia 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-strong MAMA audience with his lively humour, engaging charisma and unexpected outfit changes.

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 O.A.P 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 Awards Winners:

  1. Best Female: Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
  2. Best Male: DavidO (Nigeria)
  3. Best Group: P-Square (Nigeria)
  4. Best New Act Transformed by Absolut: Patoranking (Nigeria)
  5. Best Hip-Hop: Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
  6. Best Collaboration: AKA, Burna Boy, Da LES & JR – “All Eyes On Me” (South Africa/Nigeria)
  7. Song of the Year: Mavins – “Dorobucci” (Nigeria)
  8. Best Live: Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
  9. Video of the Year: “Nafukwa” – Riky Rick; Director: Adriaan Louw
  10. Best Pop & Alternative: Jeremy Loops (South Africa)
  11. Best Francophone: DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast)
  12. Best Lusophone: Ary (Angola)
  13. Personality of the Year: Trevor Noah (South Africa)
  14. MAMA Evolution: D’banj (Nigeria)
  15. Best International: Nicki Minaj
  16. Artist of the Decade: P-Square
  17. MTV Base Leadership Award: Saran Kaba Jones & S’Bu Mavundla
For more information on the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal, please go to MAMA: MTV, like on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and InstagramTo join the conversation about the awards please use the hash-tag #MTVMAMA2015.
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