MTV Africa Music Awards bounce back with a bang
JOHANNESBURG — The MTV Africa Music Awards (Mama) are officially making a triumphant return next year after a four-year hiatus.
The awards that showcase African creativity and talent will stage in a reimaged virtual format on February 20 in Kampala, Uganda.
“We are excited to bring this amazing showcase to audiences across the continent and globally with an innovatively re-imagined awards show and celebration,” said Monde Twala, senior vicepresident and general manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa ( VCNA).
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, content production has embraced innovation as the new gold and we are excited to take Africa to the world and showcase its immense talent and culture as we stage the biggest music awards show on the continent.”
Founded in 2008, the Mamas took a three-year break between 2010 and 2014.
In the past three years that they took place, the awards were held in South Africa. In 2008 and 2010, they took place in Nigeria, while in 2009, they were held in Nairobi, Kenya.
They were last staged in 2016, with Bonang Matheba as host after comedian Trevor Noah dropped out at the eleventh hour due to illness. American comedian Marlon Wayans hosted in 2014 and Black-ish actor Anthony Anderson in 2015.
The awards will return with 20 categories. The qualifying period will be between October 1, 2019 and October 1, 2020. The nominations will be revealed next month.
“The latest edition of the Mama promises to be our biggest and most innovative yet. Millions of fans worldwide will enjoy the digitally re-imagined celebration and African music via multiple broadcasts globally,” commented Craig Paterson, senior vice-president and general manager at