The buzz is growing about the second annual MTV Africa Music Awards, to be held in Nairobi, Kenya on October 17th 2009. Nominations were released this week and the title for most musically inclined African country seems to be up for grabs between South Africa and Nigeria – both boasting 15 nominations.

The country break down is definitely in favor of SA and Naija artists, but have no fear because Kenya’s Amani, Uganda’s Blu*3 and  Namibia’s Gal Level and a few others from across the continent also got nomination nods.  Interestingly enough, artists from the UK and the US – Jay Z, Kanye, Beyonce, Cold Play and Green Day – pulled six nominations.

Yes. I know. I thought the same thing at first.  This is the AFRICAN music awards. Although we love their music, Cold Play is from London, not Lomé.

Perhaps the board got a little flack for nominating non-african artists for MAMA awards, but as Xolani from Jucy explains, at the MAMA Press Conference, MTVBase reps noted that although the awards are primarily about the continent, they are also about music and genres that are played daily on the channel.

Acceptable answer, I suppose.  In any event, let’s hope this year’s event is better and more organizated than last year’s show. (another take). I have high hopes, though – Wyclef is hosting and the man is always hype. And twittering!

 

 

 

Highlights from this year’s nominees list includes: 

* 2 Face – leading the pack with 4 nominations – Best Male, Best R&B, Artist of the Year and Best Video – Nigeria
* Lira – nominated for Best Female and Best Artist of the Year – South Africa
* NameLess - nominated for Best Male, Best Performer and Artist of the Year – Kenya
* Samini – nominated for Best Performer – Ghana
* Shaa – nominated for Best New Act – Tanzania

For the full list, check it out here.

Photo Source.

Question: The list looks good, but I’m surprised not to see a few people on it (Asa, for example.) Anyone missing you think deserved a nomination?

Related posts:

1. RECAP! – Arise Africa Fashion Week
2. Celeb Award Season Round-Up