NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 18 – MTV Networks Africa and telecommunications company Zain have revealed that Kenya has been picked to host the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA).
The annual celebration of the African continent’s contemporary music and youth culture will take place on Saturday October 10 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, airing to a potential TV audience of 1 billion viewers around the world with over 5000 enthusiasts watching the event live.
Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, said that the awards would go a long way in exposing Africa to the rest of the world.
“The MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain offers a global platform to highlight the passion, impact and creativity of Africa’s best contemporary artists,” he said.
Mr Okosi adds: “As a vibrant and influential cultural hub, the city of Nairobi will form a brilliant backdrop to the MAMA Awards and ensure that the second edition of the Awards will be a truly unforgettable experience.”
Tourism Minister Najib Balala was present at the launch and he was optimistic that the event would go a long way in showcasing Kenya to the rest of the world.
“The event will attract a large number of fans from across the continent, who will be able to sample the very best of what Nairobi has to offer.”
Leading mobile telecommunications operator, Zain, returns as the sole pan-African sponsor of the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards following their multi-platform, multi-territory partnership with MTV in 2008.
The 2009 MAMA with Zain promises to be the highest profile music event in the history of the East African region due to the sheer number of international artists the event attracts.
The inaugural MAMAs took place in the Nigerian city of Abuja in November 2008, and honoured winners in 11 public-voted categories including best alternative, best hip-hop, best R&B, artist of the year and best video. Kenya’s own songstress Wahu won in the female artist category.
The Abuja event featured live performances from an assortment of international and African stars, among them the Game, Flo Rida (U.S.), Seun Anikulapo Kuti & Egypt 80 (Nigeria) and HHP (South Africa).
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