MTV Awards: Let the battle begin

By Stevens Muendo

With six nominations, the best tally yet for Kenya, music fans will vote and wait with bated breath as Kenya hosts fellow continental celebs at the most prestigious pan African music contest in Nairobi come October 10.

Kenyans are still celebrating Wahu’s triumph in Nigeria last year when she surprised the many by scooping the enviable Best Female Artiste category. And this time round, Amani, one of Kenya’s top artistes has been nominated in the same category.

Amani, who also tops the list of Kenyans nominated for Channel O Video Awards to be held in South Africa in the same month, is up against Lira (South Africa), Kel (Nigeria), Lizha (Mozambique and Zamojobe (South Africa)

"I have been working hard through the years and the nominations are a proof that I’m finally making a mark in the continental music scene. I thank God and my fans for it all," Amani told Pulse on telephone as she celebrated the news of her nominations.

It is also good news for Kenya’s first celebrity family, Nameless and Wahu, whohave both been nominated in various categories. Nameless has been nominated in the Artiste of the Year, Best Male and Best Performer of the Year awards while Wahu’s Little Things You do video is among other four songs. which will be competing in the Video of the Year category.

Wahu

The enduring appeal of US and British music showed itself in the nomination of five US artists and one British band in the Awards. Kanye West, Akon, BeyoncÈ, Green Day, Jay-Z and Coldplay all received a nod each.

And the nominees are:

Best Male

2Face (Nigeria)

HHP (South Africa)

D’Banj (Nigeria)

Nameless (Kenya)

Da L.E.S. (South Africa)

Best New Act

MI (Nigeria)

Shaa (Tanzania)

STL (Kenya)

Bigiano (Nigeria)

Rhythmic Elements (South Africa)

Best Hip Hop

MI (Nigeria)

AY (Tanzania)

Zulu Boy (South Africa)

Jay Z (USA)

Kanye West (USA)

Best Female

Kel (Nigeria)

Amani (Kenya)

Lira (South Africa)

Zamajobe (South Africa)

Lizha James (Mozambique)

Best Performer

P-Square (Nigeria)
D’Banj (Nigeria)

Samini (Ghana)

Nameless (Kenya)

Blu*3 (Uganda)

Best R&B

2 Face (Nigeria)

Darey Art Alade (Nigeria)

Loyiso (South Africa)

BeyoncÈ (USA)

Akon (USA)

Best Group

P-Square (Nigeria)

Blu 3 (Uganda)

Gang of Instrumentals (South Africa)

Mo Hits Allstars (Nigeria)

Gal Level (Namibia)

Artiste of The Year

2Face (Nigeria)

D’banj (Nigeria)

Lira (South Africa)

HHP (South Africa)

Nameless (Kenya)

Best Alternative

Green Day (USA)

Coldplay (UK)

Cassette (South Africa)

Zebra & Giraffe (South Africa)

Aking (South Africa)

Best Video

2Face – Enter The Place (Nigeria)

XOD – I Want You Back (Uganda)

HHP – Mpitse (South Africa)

Da L.E.S. – We on Fire (South Africa)

Wahu ft Bobi Wine – Little Things You Do (Kenya).