“Africa is home to some of the world’s most dynamic talent and we are delighted to spotlight these artists as MAMAs air to 180 countries for the first time in MTV history,” said Bruce Gillmer, president of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events for ViacomCBS Media Networks. “With Grammy Award-winning DJ Khaled at the helm, we’re sure this will be an incredible and must-see global event.”
World Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ViacomCBS Networks Africa (VCNA) said, “We are delighted to have DJ Khaled as the international host of MAMA Kampala 2021. With his global success and over 22 million subscribers on social media, it will inspire young people across the continent and draw an even larger international audience to the virtual event. We can’t wait to introduce the latest stars of African music and culture at the MAMA-themed MTV World Stage.
“MTV has always been a great partner, so I jumped at the chance to host this year’s MAMAs,” said DJ Khaled. “I can’t wait to celebrate the incredible music that comes from Africa, which has inspired me throughout my career.”
A major force in the music industry, DJ Khaled, known as “Anthem King” and commonly referred to as “Quincy Jones of Hip Hop & R&B”, has produced dozens of hit records with JAY-Z, Kanye West, Drake, Chris Brown, Ludacris, TI, French Montana, Future, Big Sean, Rick Ross, John Legend, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, among others. It has been nominated and won numerous musical awards including 13 BET Hip Hop Awards, an MTV Music Video Award and most recently a Grammy.
The MAMA Kampala 2021 event will celebrate African talent in 20 award categories, including Best Man, Best Woman, Best Song and Best Collaboration. The contribution of Portuguese and Francophone artists from Africa will also be recognized in the Best Lusophone and Best Francophone categories. Additional new categories included are the MAMA Generation Change Award, Best Fan Base, Best Lockdown Performance, and Solo Personality of the Year.
Sixteen award categories have been announced to date and voting is now open on www.mtvmama.com and on affiliate Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts. Voting in all categories ends on January 31, 2021.
