Master KG bags top MTV award
Accolade is a testament to his global popularity which has seen world unite in dance to his smash hit ‘Jerusalema’
THE 2020 MTV EMAs honoured some of the biggest names in global music this year.
South African musician and Jerusalema hitmaker Master KG took home top honours to win the coveted Best African Act.
The star-studded 2020 MTV EMAs premiered on MTV and MTV Base on Sunday. MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) viewers can catch the repeat today at 7pm, CAT (pre-show) and 8pm, CAT (main show).
In a virtually recorded acceptance speech, the now globally renowned superstar Master KG gave thanks to all his fans who have helped make his smash hit Jerusalema one of the biggest songs on the planet.
“I would love to thank my sister Nomcebo, my team Open Mic Productions, and everyone who has supported Master KG, thank you so much.
“To all my fans all over the world, without you this would have not been possible,” he said.
The South African superstar joins the ranks of previous MTV EMAs Best African Act winners from Davido and Tiwa Savage and was nominated this year alongside fellow continental hitmakers, “Scorpion Kings” Maphorisa (South Africa) and Kabza De Small (South Africa), globally renowned superstar Burna Boy (Nigeria) and Afrobeats star Rema (Nigeria), songstress Sheebah (Uganda) and Gaz Mawete (Democratic Republic of Congo).
Monde Twala, senior vicepresident and general manager of ViacomCBS Networks Africa, said: “Master KG’s accolades at this year’s MTV EMAs is a testament to his global popularity which has seen people all over the world unite in dance to his smash hit Jerusalema during one of the most unprecedented times in our history.
“We recognise his great achievement in bringing people together across cultures and congratulate him on this massive win. MTV continues to celebrate all the nominees in the Best African Act category and are proud to elevate local talent across our platforms as we take African pop culture and music to the world.”
BTS snagged four honours, Best Song, Best Group, Best Virtual Live and Biggest Fans; Karol G won the new category Best Latin and Best Collaboration for Tusa featuring
Nicki Minaj; Lady Gaga took Best Artist; and DJ Khaled was awarded Best Video.
First-time EMA winner Yungblud took home the Best Push award, while show hosts and performers Little Mix won the coveted Best Pop accolade. Cardi B bagged “Best HipHop”, Coldplay won “Best Rock” and Hayley Williams snagged the award for “Best Alternative”.
Best Pop winners Little Mix hosted the show with incredible energy and delivered an uplifting performance of Sweet Melody, donned in unique white satin outfits, complete with a squad of dancers and contortionists shot in London.
True to this year’s hi-tech feel, the fierce female pop superstars incorporated augmented reality to appear from an Inca-inspired pyramid, with a modern twist.
The show leaned into the incredible power of music, as Alicia Keys delivered show-stopping vocals on her track, Love Looks Better.
The stunning performance saw the artist and her piano travel through Los Angeles at night, initially donning a studded mask that covered her entire face.
Multi-award-winning artist
Sam Smith performed a beautiful rendition of Diamonds, ending with a commanding message that called for equality: “Don’t f*** with the queer kids.”
DaBaby opened his medley with a powerful message that shed light on crucial social justice issues that have been at the forefront this year, police brutality and racial justice.
Additionally, Lewis Hamilton presented the Video for Good award to H.E.R. for I can’t breathe, after delivering an impactful speech that shone a light on how music was still a unifying force that offers hope, solidarity and comfort during an extremely challenging year.
Multi-platinum-selling rapper and singer Doja Cat, who took home this year’s Best New award, opened the show by crawling out of a TV set onto a stage of daisies and grass to deliver a striking rock-inspired performance of her hit, Say So.
David Guetta, who took home the award for “Best Electronic”, performed Let’s Love live for the first time with Raye while immersed in an incredible waterfall of lights in the pool of Hungary’s Széchenyi Bath.
DJ Khaled, who was awarded
Best Video for his hit Popstar featuring Drake and starring Justin Bieber, introduced two spectacular performances that were shot in Miami.
The MTV EMA Generation Change Award returned for a third year, this time to elevate and empower five, fearless women for their powerful work on the front lines of the fight for racial and social justice across the world.