KENYA – Nigerian and Kenyan musicians had a big night at the 2009 MTV African Music Awards (MAMA) at the Indoor Arena, Moi International Sports Centre, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenya’s ‘Nameless’ won in the Best Male Artist category and the Listener’s Choice category, which recognizes the biggest radio hits of the year. His Nigerian counterpart, ‘M.I.’ got the Best New Act and Best Hip Hop Awards.
Kenya kept the Best Female award under lock again this year via ‘Amani’, who followed the footsteps of her fellow Kenyan, Wahu, who won the first award for that category during MAMA 2008 in Nigeria.
In a similar manner, Nigeria’s D’Banj clinched the Artist of the Year, again. A win that has consolidated his relevance after pulling a triple win at the maiden event in 2008
Other winning Nigerian artists were: 2FACE who took home Best R&B, and P-Square, Home Best Group.
The 2009 MAMA was anchored by Wyclef Jean who spoke about his Haitian family’s roots in Benin, West Africa during the press conference. Unlike the 2008 MAMAs, which featured the Game, Flo Rida and Kelly Rowland, Wyclef Jean and Senegalese-born U.S. star Akon were the only international performers and both made a point of emphasising their connections to the continent on-stage.
The full list of winners for 2009 MAMA:
Best Male: Nameless (Kenya)
Best Female: Amani (Kenya)
Best Listener’s Choice: Nameless – Sunshine (Kenya)
Best Performer: Samini (Ghana)
Best New Act: M.I. (Nigeria)
Best Hip Hop: M.I. (Nigeria)
Best R&B: 2Face (Nigeria)
Best Group: P-Square (Nigeria)
Artist of The Year: D’Banj (Nigeria)
Best Alternative: Zebra & Giraffe (South Africa)
Best Video: HHP – Mpitse (South Africa)
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