COUNT DOWN!2 DAYS TO MAMA-ALL EYES ON ALEX OKOSI

[caption id="attachment_2692" align="alignleft" width="322" caption="Alex Okosi"][/caption]

With less than 72 hours to the take off of the 2010 MTV Africa Music Award all eyes is already on Alex Okosi, the senior Vice President and Chief Executive of MTV Africa Networks.

Everyone thinks he has to prove a point. The event must be worth every bit of the promo.

He told gistmaster.com and other present at Eko Hotel and Suites, venue of the pre- award press conference on Tuesday that MTV is ready!

To many people, the outcome of the MTV Africa Music Award 2010 would determine the biggest entertainment award in Nigeria.

Yes, MTV is bigger than other channels providing entertainment to viewers in Nigeria and Africa at large but an event is not determined by that level. We are eagerly waiting for the award to take place and then say where it is the biggest event or not.

Okosi assured us that  things would done properly at to make the event. For now, it is the most anticipated event of the year.

The first edition of MAMA took place in Abuja, Nigeria while the second one took place in Kenya, a east African nation.

Yes, people see it as one of the highest level of recognition one can attain in the music industry because of the worldwide reach and reputation of the organization behind it.

By Niyi Tabiti

COUNT DOWN!2 DAYS TO MAMA-ALL EYES ON ALEX OKOSI

[caption id="attachment_2692" align="alignleft" width="322" caption="Alex Okosi"][/caption]

With less than 72 hours to the take off of the 2010 MTV Africa Music Award all eyes is already on Alex Okosi, the senior Vice President and Chief Executive of MTV Africa Networks.

Everyone thinks he has to prove a point. The event must be worth every bit of the promo.

He told gistmaster.com and other present at Eko Hotel and Suites, venue of the pre- award press conference on Tuesday that MTV is ready!

To many people, the outcome of the MTV Africa Music Award 2010 would determine the biggest entertainment award in Nigeria.

Yes, MTV is bigger than other channels providing entertainment to viewers in Nigeria and Africa at large but an event is not determined by that level. We are eagerly waiting for the award to take place and then say where it is the biggest event or not.

Okosi assured us that  things would done properly at to make the event. For now, it is the most anticipated event of the year.

The first edition of MAMA took place in Abuja, Nigeria while the second one took place in Kenya, a east African nation.

Yes, people see it as one of the highest level of recognition one can attain in the music industry because of the worldwide reach and reputation of the organization behind it.

By Niyi Tabiti

MTV, LG MOBILE AND FRIENDS CELEBRATE 5 YEARS OF MTV AT TRIBECA IN LAGOS

Lagos, 12 March 2010: MTV today reinforced its commitment to the African music industry at a dazzling birthday party celebrating the fifth anniversary of pan-African music channel MTV base (DStv Channel 322, STV, AIT and Daarsat).  Held at Tribeca, Lagos, “MTV 5 on It”, sponsored by LG Mobile, marked 5 years since the launch of music channel MTV base, and parent company MTV Networks Africa.
Lining up to salute MTV at the luxurious, chocolate-themed event were the stars of the contemporary Nigerian entertainment scene, while MTV VJ Cynthia “C-Von” Okpala was MC, keeping the proceedings rolling along as more than 800 VIP guests partied the night away.
Highlights of the evening included explosive live performances from Omawumi, eLDee, BankyW, Naeto C and M.I. plus rousing DJ sets from DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Humility and DJ Fidgit.   The evening also featured a presentation from Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa which tracked MTV’s remarkable journey in sub-Saharan Africa including landmark moments, groundbreaking programming and defining events from the past five years.  Attendees saw highlights from the official MTV base switch-on ceremony on 22 February 2005, the inauguration of the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2008, the MTV base 100th Live! concerts in Abuja and Johannesburg, the MTV Making the Video project, the first ever MTV base VJ search, plus TV series Player and Shuga.  Double MTV Africa Music Awards winner M.I. led the audience in a chorus of “Happy Birthday.”
Commented Alex Okosi, “MTV has been on an extraordinary and exciting journey over the last five years and we are immensely grateful to all our viewers and our friends and allies in the music, business and media communities who have helped MTV Networks Africa pursue our dreams in Africa.  We look forward with great anticipation to the next five years as we continue to evolve into a fully fledged entertainment multiplex delivering high quality thematic entertainment to millions of people on the African continent every day – from kids to adults.”
The MTV birthday party is brought to you by MTV Networks Africa sponsored by LG Mobile and supported by Rhythm FM, Southern Sun and Christian Audigier champagne.







PHOTO:ALEX OKOSI OF MTV NETWORKS AFRICA

GIST FROM ACCESS BANK AND NICKELODEON's DORA THE EXPLORER MEDIA LAUNCH

Obinna Nwosu, director Access Bank greets Alex Okosi of MTV BASE

 By Niyi Tabiti/gistmaster.com
  Access Bank said yesterday at a press conference that it is sponsoring Nickelodeon's Dora the explorer to introduce a new vista in retail banking in Nigeria.

Dora the Explorer

  Mr. Obinna Nwosu, Access Bank Nigeria Plc director of Retail Banking division said they are making Access Bank more receptive and attractive to young savers.
"It would give Access Bank the opportunity to reach out to schools so that we can teach financial responsibility" Nwosu said.

BIODUN SHOBANJO, ALEX OKOSI,BEN BRUCE,LEKE ALDER AND MO ABUDU FOR MTV 'REAL TALK' SEMINAR

Advertising, marketing and management guru Biodun Shobanjo has joined the panel for ‘Real Talk’, MTV’s upcoming seminar and executive discussion on Youth Marketing.

Biodun Shobanjo joins Alex Okosi (MTV Networks Africa), Ben Murray-Bruce (Silverbird Group), Leke Alder (Alder Consulting) and Mo Abudu (Inspire Africa) at the MTV sponsored event, to be held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos at 15:00 on Wednesday 30 March 2011.

Commented Alex Okosi, ‘Mr Shobanjo’s in-depth understanding of every facet of broadcasting, advertising and public relations as well as the challenges faced by marketers and brands, will significantly elevate the level of Real Talk and we are excited that Mr Shobanjo has confirmed his commitment to the event.’

After 38 distinguished years in the advertising business, Mr Shobanjo is widely acknowledged as one of the individuals who revolutionized the face of modern advertising in Nigeria.  The founder of Insight Communications, Nigeria's foremost advertising agency, Mr Shobanjo was the Chief Executive Officer of the company for 25 years, a position from which he stood down at the end of December 2004.  He remains the Vice Chairman of the company, offering senior guidance and advice to Insight’s management and clients.

Biodun Shobanjo is also the Chairman of Troyka, an investment holding company comprising the following businesses - The Quadrant Company (Public Relations consultancy), Optimum Exposures (Nigeria’s leading out-of-home advertising company), All Seasons Mediacom and Media Perspectives (media independents), Azzagai (a through-the-line agency) and Halogen Security (asset protection and resource management).

Among the many awards and accolades received by Mr Shobanjo during his stellar career were the announcement, in May 2009, that Newswatch nominated him as one of the 50 Notable Leaders in Corporate Nigeria in 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. In Sept 2009, TheNEWS selected him as one of 30 Nigeria world-class Entrepreneurs. In Feb 2010, he was inaugurated as the First Ambassador-General of mass medical mission (mmm) of National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP), while in March 2010, City People Media Group honoured him with the award of CEO of the Year. Recently in October 2010, The Guardian selected him amongst Nigeria’s 20 Outstanding Entrepreneurs of the Decade (2000-2010), and in December 2010, the NIMN awarded him the Most Valuable Personality (Titan Class) for Life Achievement in Advertising Development. In February, 2011, MarketingEdge Magazine honoured him as its Brand Personality of Year 2010. In 2009, Mr Shobanjo became the host and CEO of the first and only season of the TV reality programme 'The Apprentice Africa', which aired in 6 African countries.

MTV, ZAIN UNVEIL NOMINATIONS FOR MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS WITH ZAIN 2010

[caption id="attachment_1967" align="alignleft" width="480" caption="Mocheddah, Cynthia, Andre Beyers, 2face,Alex, Rajan, Sasha"][/caption]

MTV Networks Africa and Zain have today announced the nominations for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMA).  The nominees for the annual poll of young African’s music tastes were announced tonight at a star-studded celebration at De Marquee, Lagos, Nigeria, attended by artists, nominees, celebrities and VIPs including 2Face, Sasha and Mo Cheddah.  The nominations were revealed by Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Group and Rajan Swaroop, CEO, Zain Nigeria.

Nigerian artists scored an impressive 13 nominations including three nominations for duo- P-Square (Artist of the Year, Best Group and Best Video), and two nominations each for MAMA 2009 winner 2FACE (Best Male, Artist of the Year), Wande Coal (Best Anglophone, Best Male) and Banky W (Song of the Year, Best Video).  Nigerian female artists also rated well with Best Female nods for Nneka and Sasha, and a nomination as Brand:New artist for Mo Cheddah. D’banj, a four-time MAMA winner, received yet another MAMA nomination for Song of the Year for “Fall in Love”.

MAMA 2008 Best Live Performer winners Jozi (South Africa) notched up another ‘nod’ from the MAMA academy with a nomination for Artist of the Year.  Six further South African artists were recognised by the MAMA Academy, with nominations for Teargas (Best Group), JR (Song of the Year), Black Coffee (Best Male), Big Nuz (Best Anglophone), Liquideep (Song of the Year) and The Parlotones (Best Video).

Fally Ipupa scored the highest individual number of the nominations with four separate MAMA award nominations.  The charismatic artist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), who is also performing at MAMA 2010, has been nominated for Artist of the Year, Best Male, Best Video and Best Francophone.  Barbara Kanam brought the DRC nomination tally to five with a first-time nomination in the Best Female category.

East African artists continued their positive nominations run with five nominations from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.  Kenyan Gospel crossover artist Daddy Owen is nominated for the first time in the Best Anglophone category while hip hop outfit P-Unit gets a mention for Best Group and Muthoni is recognised in the Brand:New category. In Uganda there is a first time nomination for Radio and Weasle (Best Group) while Tanzania’s Diamond gets his commendation in the Brand:New category.

Following the MAMA success of Samini in 2009, Ghanaian artist Sarkodie gets a first time nomination in the Best Anglophone category.

Four US mega-artists are to fight it out in the Best International category which sees Rihanna representing the gals against Eminem, Drake and Rick Ross in the ultimate urban music face-off.

Two new categories in 2010 have broadened the scope of artists eligible for the MAMA.  The Best Francophone category sees Gabon enter the MAMA race for the first time with a nomination for Ba Ponga, while Senegalese artist Awadi and Ivory Coast‘s DJ Arafat also pick up their first ever MAMA nominations.  Angolan artists Cabo Snoop and Paul G pick up nominations in the Best Lusophone category alongside Mozambique’s hip hop queens Lizha James and Dama do Bling.

Commented Alex Okosi, “This year’s MAMA is even more representative of the growth of the pan-African music scene and the added emphasis on Lusophone and Francophone artists makes this the most exciting MAMA nominations race that we have seen so far. We congratulate all the artists on their nominations and wish them success on December 11^th in Lagos.”

Commented Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Africa, “The nominations today have shown the universality of music and the fact all genres strike a chord and a cross-over appeal with Africa’s youth regardless of their nationality.  We are happy to be associated with a platform that recognises and celebrates the rich musical heritage that positively depicts culture from across Africa.”

Speaking during the same occasion, Rajan Swaroop, Zain Nigeria CEO, commended Nigerian artistes for their showing at the nominations stage of the awards. “The fact that Nigerian artists have scooped many nominations is a proof that investment in the industry is paying off. We hope this will translate to more awards for Nigerian artistes during the main show. We at Zain Nigeria are committed to supporting our artistes through various initiatives that showcase the pool of talent in this great nation.”

The nominees for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain were shortlisted by the MAMA Academy – a handpicked group of music industry experts and taste makers from across the African continent.  The winners for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain will be revealed on Saturday 11 December 2010 at the Eko Expo Centre, Lagos, Nigeria.

The nominees for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain are:

Best Video Fally Ipupa - Sexy dance (DRC) P-Square f/t J. Martins- E No Easy (Nigeria) The Parlotones - Life Design (South Africa) Banky W - Strong Ting (Nigeria)

Brand:New Mo Cheddah (Nigeria) Diamond (Tanzania) Muthoni (Kenya) JoJo (Gabon)

Artist of The Year 2 Face (Nigeria) P-Square (Nigeria) Jozi (South Africa) Fally Ipupa (DRC)	Song Of The Year D'Banj - Fall In Love (Nigeria) Liquideep - Fairytale (South Africa) JR - Show Dem (South Africa) Banky W - Lagos Party (Nigeria)
Best Anglophone Sarkodie (Ghana) Wande Coal (Nigeria) Daddy Owen (Kenya) Big Nuz (South Africa)		Best Francophone Fally Ipupa (DRC) Awadi (Senegal) DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast) Ba Ponga (Gabon)
Best Lusophone Lizha James (Mozambique) Paul G (Angola) Cabo Snoop (Angola) Dama Do Bling (Mozambique)		Best Group P-Square (Nigeria) Radio & Weasle (Uganda) Teargas (South Africa) P-Unit (Kenya)
Best Female Sasha (Nigeria) Lizha James (Mozambique) Nneka (Nigeria) Barbara Kanam (DRC)		Best Male 2 Face (Nigeria) Fally Ipupa (DRC) Black Coffee (South Africa) Wande Coal (Nigeria)
Best International Rihanna (USA) Drake (USA) Eminem (USA) Rick Ross (USA)

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 is sponsored by Zain in association with MasterCard.  Arik Air is the official airline partner of the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain.

MAMA 2010


Nominations for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain are open to all soloists or groups who have received airplay on MTV base or MTV during the qualifying period (30 June 2009 to 31 August 2010)  including artists from: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Comores, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, St Helena, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

To vote for your favourite artists in the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain, go to www.mama.mtvbase.com or www.mtvmama.mobi. Zain mobile subscribers in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, DRC and Chad can also vote for their favourite artists in selected categories via SMS.  To vote for Artist of the Year text AY to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Song of the Year text SY to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen song; to vote for Best Anglophone Act text BA to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Francophone Act text BFR to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Lusophone Act text BL to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Group text BG to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Female text BF to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Male text BM to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Brand:New Act text BNA to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist. Vote online or on your phone and you could win a trip to the MAMAs, Nokia phones and more. (For terms and conditions and call tariffs go to www.mama.mtvbase.com).

MTN MEETS MTV TO INSPIRE AFRICAN YOUTH

[caption id="attachment_4984" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Alex Okosi, Kola Oyeyemi, Nicholas Suter and Bobo Omotayo"][/caption]

MTV Networks Africa and MTN have joined forces in a groundbreaking pan-African multimedia campaign designed to inspire African youth by connecting them with some of the world’s most influential personalities.

Young people the world over are gradually taking interest in national and global affairs, and are increasingly becoming vocal on issues that affect them and the world they live in.

The pan-African broadcaster and Africa’s leading mobile operator are partnering to produce MTV Base Meets…with MTN, an 8-part youth empowerment initiative and TV series that creates a dialogue between young people and the political, business and cultural leaders who shape the world today.

[caption id="attachment_4985" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Panelists, Alex Okosi, Kola Oyeyemi, Nicholas Suter"][/caption]

The intimate documentary series will allow Africa’s young minds to put probing questions to influential, inspirational and sometimes controversial individuals. Among the eminent people who will feature in the series are: Liberian President Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Africa’s first and only elected female head of state), Mr Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and South African politician Mr Julius Malema (President of the ANC Youth League) and many African leaders or influencers who exercise a significant impact on the continent.

The gripping series will keep television viewers - young and old - on the edge of their seats.  A diverse panel of young people representing different youth interests will be assembled from across the African continent, with participants coming from Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda, among others.

Young, but well-informed, the panelists are articulate, engaging, provocative and opinionated on a range of complex subjects - be it HIV/AIDS, global warming, education, poverty, corruption or entrepreneurship.  They are fearless and have attitude. Their no-holds-barred approach will make for exciting television viewing as they fire BIG questions to the influential people whose actions and opinions have a direct impact on their lives.

African youth will be encouraged to nominate influencers and submit their proposed questions for the programme via a dedicated MTV base Meets…with MTN website or via their mobile handset. To register go to www.mtvmeets.com or http://mtvmeets.mobi from 10 May 2011 or follow the campaign on Twitter at #MTVMeets@MTVbaseAfrica.

Gistmaster.com

Newsroom: news@gistmaster.com

News Editor: niyi@gistmaster.com

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Winners at MAMA 2010

 

 

 

FALLY PUPA,TUFACE, MO CHEDDAH OTHERS WIN MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS 2010

[caption id="attachment_2738" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="FALLY PUPA"][/caption]

Congolese artist Fally Ipupa, and Nigeria’s 2Face led the winners at the third edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel (MAMA), each taking home two trophies at the music awards ceremony at the Eko Expo Hall, Lagos on 11 December 2010.

Nominated in four separate categories, Fally Ipupa scored wins for Best Video (“Sexy Dance”) and Best Francophone act while 2Face, a former MAMA winner from 2009, picked up trophies for Artist of the Year and Best Male.

Cabo Snoop notched up a music first for Angola by becoming the first ever Angolan winner at MAMA 2010, taking home the prize for Best Lusophone act. The inaugural Best Anglophone award went to Kenyan Gospel breakthrough artist Daddy Owen – the first time a gospel artist has won a MAMA.

Song of the Year was won by South African pop/R&B outfit Liquideep for their hauntingly lovely 'Fairytale'.  New MAMA award category Best Performance was won by Big Nuz, the South African house trio making waves all over the continent.

[caption id="attachment_2739" align="alignleft" width="305" caption="American star, Eve on the Red Carpet of MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 (MAMA)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2740" align="alignleft" width="480" caption="Alex Okosi answering questions from reporters at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Lagos"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2741" align="alignleft" width="247" caption="Mo Cheddah showing off what she's got at the MTV africa music Award 2010"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2742" align="alignleft" width="254" caption="Africa to female rap artist, Sasha from Nigeria at MAMA 2010"][/caption]

Nigerian vocalist Sasha scored Nigeria’s first ever win in the Best Female category after Kenyan dominance over the last two years. Nigerian R&B duo P-Square (Nigeria) added yet another MAMA trophy to their awards cabinet – taking home Best Group for the third year running!  Rising Nigerian star Mo Cheddah notched up her first win in the hotly contested Brand:New category which recognises rising stars tipped by MTV for success.

The prestigious Best International act was received by Eminem who accepted the award via satellite from the USA.  The MAMA Legend award, won by the late, great Miriam Makeba, was presented by Public Enemy founder and hip hop pioneer Chuck D.

The 2010 MAMA awards opened with an explosive performance by Hip Hop heavyweight, Rick Ross,  and closed with an unforgettable rendition of “Win” featuring T-Pain, Rick Ross, Da LES and 2Face - a world first.  In keeping with the tradition of the awards, the show featured an array of electrifying collaborations between artists from different parts of the continent, mixing up music genres, language and cultures in a unprecedented extravaganza of African talent.  Among the collaborations were Nigeria’s 2Face who hooked up with South African rock outfit The Parlotones. The performance of Banky W’s “Lagos Party” saw South Africa’s Big Nuz, Angola’s Cabo Snoop and Paul G and DRC’s Barbara Kanam rocking the house with the first ever truly pan-African version of the hit track.

Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, “Tonight’s MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel was a joyful and uplifting celebration of African youth culture and music.  It brought together the best talent from across Africa to showcase the incredible music that Africa has to offer to the world.  It is amazing to see the collaborations between the artists as it fosters a spirit of camaraderie and creative exchange that takes their music to a new level.”

Commented Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Africa, “The diversity and talent of the performances this evening was a reflection of the vast and rich talent pool that Africa has to offer.   We at Airtel are proud to partner with the MTV Africa Music Awards as it is a platform for the youth and young at heart in Africa, enabling them to showcase their talent to a global audience. Music is an important way to connect with Africa as we relaunch the Airtel brand on the continent. It will support Airtel’s mission of giving the youth a means to express themselves and the freedom to do more.”

Among the performers at the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel were: 2Face (Nigeria), Banky W (Nigeria), Barbara Kanam (DRC), Big Nuz (South Africa), Cabo Snoop (Angola), Daddy Owen (Kenya), Diamond (Tanzania), Eve (USA), Fally Ipupa (DRC), J. Martins (Nigeria), Jozi (South Africa), Liquideep (South Africa), Lizha James (Mozambique), Mo Cheddah (Nigeria), Paul G (Angola), P-Unit (Kenya), Public Enemy (USA), Radio & Weasel (Uganda), Rick Ross (USA), Sarkodie (Ghana), Sasha (Nigeria), T-Pain (USA), Teargas (South Africa), The Parlotones (South Africa), Wande Coal (Nigeria).

Guest presenters and celebrity guests included Ba Ponga, Dama do Bling, Lizha James, Daniel Amokachi, Oluchi, Julius Agwu, Genevieve Nnaji, Muthoni, Nneka, MTV VJs Vanessa Mdee  & Sizwe Dhlomo, Tatiana, JoJo and fashion designer Lisa Foluniyo.

MAMA 2010 WINNERS IN FULL

Best Anglophone - Daddy Owen (Kenya)

Best Francophone - Fally Ipupa (DRC)

Best Lusophone - Cabo Snoop (Angola)

Artist of the Year- 2Face (Nigeria)

Best Female - Sasha (Nigeria)

Best Male - 2Face (Nigeria)

Best Video - Fally Ipupa (DRC): “Sexy Dance”

Best Group – P-Square (Nigeria)

Brand New Act - Mo Cheddah (Nigeria)

Best Performance - Big Nuz (South Africa)

Song of the Year - Liquideep (South Africa): “Fairytale”

MAMA Legend – Miriam Makeba (South Africa)

Best International – Eminem (USA).

The MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel premieres on MTV base (DStv Channel 322) on Saturday 18 December at 19:00 CAT, with repeats on Sunday 12 December at 08:00 CAT and 14:00 CAT.  Further programming relating to MAMA 2010 includes: Road To MAMA – Tanzania (TV premiere Thursday 16 December @ 19:00 CAT); Road to MAMA – DRC (TV premiere Friday 17 December @ 19:00 CAT) and What Went Down 2010 (TV premiere Sunday 19 December @ 21:00 CAT).  The MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel will also broadcast on MAMA terrestrial TV partners STV (Nigeria), AIT (Nigeria), TV3 (Ghana), WBS (Uganda), NTV (Kenya), TBC (Tanzania), Clouds TV (Tanzania),  RTGA (DRC), NBC (Namibia), STV (Cameroon), Canal2 (Cameroon), Afrique Media (Cameroon), Go Africa (Gabon), TV Canal 3 (Burkina Faso), NTV (Benin), LC2 (Benin), ORTN (Niger), MBC (Mauritius) and ZNBC (Zambia).

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 is sponsored by Airtel in association with MasterCard.  Other partners supporting the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel include Arik Air and the Lagos State Government.

More photos coming soon!!!

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR NE-YO TO PERFORM AT MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS 2015

Grammy Award winning R&B icon, NE-YO, has been announced to perform at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2015.

Performing songs from his sixth studio album ‘Non Fiction’ the singer-songwriter expressed his excitement about his first ever performance in the South African city, “I can’t wait for you to see what I have in store Durban! I hope you’re ready, because I am!”

Since smashing onto the top spot of the Billboard Hot 200 Chart back in 2006 with his sophomore single “So Sick”, NE-YO has spent the last nine years churning out hit after hit, not only as a performer, but as a songwriter for his megastar peers Beyoncé, Rihanna and the late Michael Jackson to name but a few. Multiple platinum singles, four hit albums and three Grammy Awards later, the hit-maker is ready to share his latest work with the world.

Bruce Gillmer, EVP, Music, Talent Programming and Events, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) commented: “We are thrilled to have NE-YO join us in

FALLY PUPA,TUFACE, MO CHEDDAH OTHERS WIN MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS 2010

[caption id="attachment_2738" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="FALLY PUPA"][/caption]

Congolese artist Fally Ipupa, and Nigeria’s 2Face led the winners at the third edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel (MAMA), each taking home two trophies at the music awards ceremony at the Eko Expo Hall, Lagos on 11 December 2010.

Nominated in four separate categories, Fally Ipupa scored wins for Best Video (“Sexy Dance”) and Best Francophone act while 2Face, a former MAMA winner from 2009, picked up trophies for Artist of the Year and Best Male.

Cabo Snoop notched up a music first for Angola by becoming the first ever Angolan winner at MAMA 2010, taking home the prize for Best Lusophone act. The inaugural Best Anglophone award went to Kenyan Gospel breakthrough artist Daddy Owen – the first time a gospel artist has won a MAMA.

Song of the Year was won by South African pop/R&B outfit Liquideep for their hauntingly lovely 'Fairytale'.  New MAMA award category Best Performance was won by Big Nuz, the South African house trio making waves all over the continent.

[caption id="attachment_2739" align="alignleft" width="305" caption="American star, Eve on the Red Carpet of MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 (MAMA)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2740" align="alignleft" width="480" caption="Alex Okosi answering questions from reporters at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Lagos"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2741" align="alignleft" width="247" caption="Mo Cheddah showing off what she's got at the MTV africa music Award 2010"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2742" align="alignleft" width="254" caption="Africa to female rap artist, Sasha from Nigeria at MAMA 2010"][/caption]

Nigerian vocalist Sasha scored Nigeria’s first ever win in the Best Female category after Kenyan dominance over the last two years. Nigerian R&B duo P-Square (Nigeria) added yet another MAMA trophy to their awards cabinet – taking home Best Group for the third year running!  Rising Nigerian star Mo Cheddah notched up her first win in the hotly contested Brand:New category which recognises rising stars tipped by MTV for success.

The prestigious Best International act was received by Eminem who accepted the award via satellite from the USA.  The MAMA Legend award, won by the late, great Miriam Makeba, was presented by Public Enemy founder and hip hop pioneer Chuck D.

The 2010 MAMA awards opened with an explosive performance by Hip Hop heavyweight, Rick Ross,  and closed with an unforgettable rendition of “Win” featuring T-Pain, Rick Ross, Da LES and 2Face - a world first.  In keeping with the tradition of the awards, the show featured an array of electrifying collaborations between artists from different parts of the continent, mixing up music genres, language and cultures in a unprecedented extravaganza of African talent.  Among the collaborations were Nigeria’s 2Face who hooked up with South African rock outfit The Parlotones. The performance of Banky W’s “Lagos Party” saw South Africa’s Big Nuz, Angola’s Cabo Snoop and Paul G and DRC’s Barbara Kanam rocking the house with the first ever truly pan-African version of the hit track.

Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, “Tonight’s MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel was a joyful and uplifting celebration of African youth culture and music.  It brought together the best talent from across Africa to showcase the incredible music that Africa has to offer to the world.  It is amazing to see the collaborations between the artists as it fosters a spirit of camaraderie and creative exchange that takes their music to a new level.”

Commented Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Africa, “The diversity and talent of the performances this evening was a reflection of the vast and rich talent pool that Africa has to offer.   We at Airtel are proud to partner with the MTV Africa Music Awards as it is a platform for the youth and young at heart in Africa, enabling them to showcase their talent to a global audience. Music is an important way to connect with Africa as we relaunch the Airtel brand on the continent. It will support Airtel’s mission of giving the youth a means to express themselves and the freedom to do more.”

Among the performers at the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel were: 2Face (Nigeria), Banky W (Nigeria), Barbara Kanam (DRC), Big Nuz (South Africa), Cabo Snoop (Angola), Daddy Owen (Kenya), Diamond (Tanzania), Eve (USA), Fally Ipupa (DRC), J. Martins (Nigeria), Jozi (South Africa), Liquideep (South Africa), Lizha James (Mozambique), Mo Cheddah (Nigeria), Paul G (Angola), P-Unit (Kenya), Public Enemy (USA), Radio & Weasel (Uganda), Rick Ross (USA), Sarkodie (Ghana), Sasha (Nigeria), T-Pain (USA), Teargas (South Africa), The Parlotones (South Africa), Wande Coal (Nigeria).

Guest presenters and celebrity guests included Ba Ponga, Dama do Bling, Lizha James, Daniel Amokachi, Oluchi, Julius Agwu, Genevieve Nnaji, Muthoni, Nneka, MTV VJs Vanessa Mdee  & Sizwe Dhlomo, Tatiana, JoJo and fashion designer Lisa Foluniyo.

MAMA 2010 WINNERS IN FULL

Best Anglophone - Daddy Owen (Kenya)

Best Francophone - Fally Ipupa (DRC)

Best Lusophone - Cabo Snoop (Angola)

Artist of the Year- 2Face (Nigeria)

Best Female - Sasha (Nigeria)

Best Male - 2Face (Nigeria)

Best Video - Fally Ipupa (DRC): “Sexy Dance”

Best Group – P-Square (Nigeria)

Brand New Act - Mo Cheddah (Nigeria)

Best Performance - Big Nuz (South Africa)

Song of the Year - Liquideep (South Africa): “Fairytale”

MAMA Legend – Miriam Makeba (South Africa)

Best International – Eminem (USA).

The MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel premieres on MTV base (DStv Channel 322) on Saturday 18 December at 19:00 CAT, with repeats on Sunday 12 December at 08:00 CAT and 14:00 CAT.  Further programming relating to MAMA 2010 includes: Road To MAMA – Tanzania (TV premiere Thursday 16 December @ 19:00 CAT); Road to MAMA – DRC (TV premiere Friday 17 December @ 19:00 CAT) and What Went Down 2010 (TV premiere Sunday 19 December @ 21:00 CAT).  The MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel will also broadcast on MAMA terrestrial TV partners STV (Nigeria), AIT (Nigeria), TV3 (Ghana), WBS (Uganda), NTV (Kenya), TBC (Tanzania), Clouds TV (Tanzania),  RTGA (DRC), NBC (Namibia), STV (Cameroon), Canal2 (Cameroon), Afrique Media (Cameroon), Go Africa (Gabon), TV Canal 3 (Burkina Faso), NTV (Benin), LC2 (Benin), ORTN (Niger), MBC (Mauritius) and ZNBC (Zambia).

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 is sponsored by Airtel in association with MasterCard.  Other partners supporting the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel include Arik Air and the Lagos State Government.

More photos coming soon!!!

COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES FOR MTV AWARDS (MAMA) 2010

MTV Networks Africa and Zain have today announced the nominations for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMA).  The nominees for the annual poll of young African’s music tastes were announced tonight at a star-studded celebration at De Marquee, Lagos, Nigeria, attended by artists, nominees, celebrities and VIPs including 2Face, Sasha and Mo Cheddah.  The nominations were revealed by Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Group and Rajan Swaroop, CEO, Zain Nigeria.

Nigerian artists scored an impressive 13 nominations including three nominations for duo- P-Square (Artist of the Year, Best Group and Best Video), and two nominations each for MAMA 2009 winner 2FACE (Best Male, Artist of the Year), Wande Coal (Best Anglophone, Best Male) and Banky W (Song of the Year, Best Video).  Nigerian female artists also rated well with Best Female nods for Nneka and Sasha, and a nomination as Brand:New artist for Mo Cheddah.  D’banj, a four-time MAMA winner, received yet another MAMA nomination for Song of the Year for “Fall in Love”.

MAMA 2008 Best Live Performer winners Jozi (South Africa) notched up another ‘nod’ from the MAMA academy with a nomination for Artist of the Year.  Six further South African artists were recognised by the MAMA Academy, with nominations for Teargas (Best Group), JR (Song of the Year), Black Coffee (Best Male), Big Nuz (Best Anglophone), Liquideep (Song of the Year) and The Parlotones (Best Video).

Fally Ipupa scored the highest individual number of the nominations with four separate MAMA award nominations.  The charismatic artist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), who is also performing at MAMA 2010, has been nominated for Artist of the Year, Best Male, Best Video and Best Francophone.  Barbara Kanam brought the DRC nomination tally to five with a first-time nomination in the Best Female category.

East African artists continued their positive nominations run with five nominations from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.  Kenyan Gospel crossover artist Daddy Owen is nominated for the first time in the Best Anglophone category while hip hop outfit P-Unit gets a mention for Best Group and Muthoni is recognised in the Brand:New category. In Uganda there is a first time nomination for Radio and Weasle (Best Group) while Tanzania’s Diamond gets his commendation in the Brand:New category.

Following the MAMA success of Samini in 2009, Ghanaian artist Sarkodie gets a first time nomination in the Best Anglophone category.

Four US mega-artists are to fight it out in the Best International category which sees Rihanna representing the gals against Eminem, Drake and Rick Ross in the ultimate urban music face-off.

Two new categories in 2010 have broadened the scope of artists eligible for the MAMA.  The Best Francophone category sees Gabon enter the MAMA race for the first time with a nomination for Ba Ponga, while Senegalese artist Awadi and Ivory Coast‘s DJ Arafat also pick up their first ever MAMA nominations.  Angolan artists Cabo Snoop and Paul G pick up nominations in the Best Lusophone category alongside Mozambique’s hip hop queens Lizha James and Dama do Bling.

Commented Alex Okosi, “This year’s MAMA is even more representative of the growth of the pan-African music scene and the added emphasis on Lusophone and Francophone artists makes this the most exciting MAMA nominations race that we have seen so far. We congratulate all the artists on their nominations and wish them success on December 11^th in Lagos.”

Commented Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Africa, “The nominations today have shown the universality of music and the fact all genres strike a chord and a cross-over appeal with Africa’s youth regardless of their nationality.  We are happy to be associated with a platform that recognises and celebrates the rich musical heritage that positively depicts culture from across Africa.”

Speaking during the same occasion, Rajan Swaroop, Zain Nigeria CEO, commended Nigerian artistes for their showing at the nominations stage of the awards. “The fact that Nigerian artists have scooped many nominations is a proof that investment in the industry is paying off. We hope this will translate to more awards for Nigerian artistes during the main show. We at Zain Nigeria are committed to supporting our artistes through various initiatives that showcase the pool of talent in this great nation.”

The nominees for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain were shortlisted by the MAMA Academy – a handpicked group of music industry experts and taste makers from across the African continent.  The winners for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain will be revealed on Saturday 11 December 2010 at the Eko Expo Centre, Lagos, Nigeria.

The nominees for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain are:

Best Video Fally Ipupa - Sexy dance (DRC) P-Square f/t J. Martins- E No Easy (Nigeria) The Parlotones - Life Design (South Africa) Banky W - Strong Ting (Nigeria)

Brand:New Mo Cheddah (Nigeria) Diamond (Tanzania) Muthoni (Kenya) JoJo (Gabon)

Artist of The Year 2 Face (Nigeria) P-Square (Nigeria) Jozi (South Africa) Fally Ipupa (DRC)	Song Of The Year D'Banj - Fall In Love (Nigeria) Liquideep - Fairytale (South Africa) JR - Show Dem (South Africa) Banky W - Lagos Party (Nigeria)
Best Anglophone Sarkodie (Ghana) Wande Coal (Nigeria) Daddy Owen (Kenya) Big Nuz (South Africa)		Best Francophone Fally Ipupa (DRC) Awadi (Senegal) DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast) Ba Ponga (Gabon)
Best Lusophone Lizha James (Mozambique) Paul G (Angola) Cabo Snoop (Angola) Dama Do Bling (Mozambique)		Best Group P-Square (Nigeria) Radio & Weasle (Uganda) Teargas (South Africa) P-Unit (Kenya)
Best Female Sasha (Nigeria) Lizha James (Mozambique) Nneka (Nigeria) Barbara Kanam (DRC)		Best Male 2 Face (Nigeria) Fally Ipupa (DRC) Black Coffee (South Africa) Wande Coal (Nigeria)
Best International Rihanna (USA) Drake (USA) Eminem (USA) Rick Ross (USA)

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 is sponsored by Zain in association with MasterCard.  Arik Air is the official airline partner of the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain.

Nominations for the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain are open to all soloists or groups who have received airplay on MTV base or MTV during the qualifying period (30 June 2009 to 31 August 2010)  including artists from: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Comores, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, St Helena, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

To vote for your favourite artists in the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain, go to www.mama.mtvbase.com or www.mtvmama.mobi.  Zain mobile subscribers in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, DRC and Chad can also vote for their favourite artists in selected categories via SMS.  To vote for Artist of the Year text AY to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Song of the Year text SY to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen song; to vote for Best Anglophone Act text BA to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Francophone Act text BFR to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Lusophone Act text BL to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Group text BG to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Female text BF to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Best Male text BM to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist; to vote for Brand:New Act text BNA to shortcode 6262 followed by the name of your chosen artist.  Vote online or on your phone and you could win a trip to the MAMAs, Nokia phones and more. (For terms and conditions and call tariffs go to www.mama.mtvbase.com).

MTV BASE, BET COME UNDER ONE UMBRELLA:OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT

BET FINDS NEW HOME IN AFRICA

 Lagos, 4 June 2012:Viacom International Media NetworksAfrica(VIMN Africa) announced today that general entertainment networkBET is to expand its African TV footprint following the signing of a new distribution deal that will see BET distributed on the My TVpay-TVplatform. 

As of 1 June 2012, the English language service BET is now distributed 24 hours a day to viewers in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia and ZimbabweonMyTV.  Currently available in 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, BET is also distributed

MTV BASE CELEBRATE 5 YEARS OF GRAND ENTERTAINMENT IN NIGERIA

By Niyi Tabiti/News Editor


International entertainment company,MTV Base Nigeria has signified its intention to 'drive' all of us into the world of 'maximum enjoyment' on Friday 12 March 2010.It would be a day marking the 5th year anniversary of MTV Base operations in Nigeria.According to a statement forwarded to http://www.gistmaster.com/ ,Alex Okosi the Chief Executive of the company in the country would be on hand to welcome invited guests to Tribeca on Ademokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, venue of the event. Also expected are top Nigerian entertainment business executives,musicians, producers and media executives.



We promise to bring you fuller gist on the event later!

AMERICAN HIP HOP STAR, EVE TO HOST 2010 MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS IN LAGOS

[caption id="attachment_2647" align="alignleft" width="302" caption="EVE"][/caption]

MTV and Airtel today revealed that contemporary rap icon T-Pain is to visit Nigeria to perform at the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel (MAMA).  South African
house trio Big Nuz and four-time MAMA winner D’Banj (Nigeria) will
also perform at the show, which takes place at the Eko Expo Hall,
Lagos on 11 December 2010.

The MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel will be hosted by US hip-hop
artist and actress Eve while guest presenters will include Dama Do
Bling (Mozambique), Liquideep (South Africa), Nneka (Nigeria/USA),
Nigerian striker Daniel Amokachi, supermodel Oluchi and film star
Genevieve Nnaji.
The news was announced today at a press conference at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria by Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, in the presence of Mr Opeyemi Bamidele, The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Obinna Aniche, Group Marketing Manager, Airtel Africa and Joseph Hundah, Managing Director, Multichoice Nigeria.

MTV Networks Africa also revealed that it has introduced an additional
award category, Best Performance, for the 2010 edition of the show.
The winners of Best Performance will be chosen by MTV.  The awards now
comprises a total of 13 separate award categories including Best
Video, Brand:New, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Best
Anglophone, Best Lusophone, Best Francophone, Best Group, Best Female,
Best Male, Best International, Best Performance and MAMA Legend.

T-Pain, Big Nuz and D’Banj join previously announced performers Rick
Ross (USA), Teargas (South Africa), Banky W (Nigeria), Daddy Owen
(Kenya), Fally Ipupa (DRC), 2FACE (Nigeria), DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast),
Cabo Snoop (Angola), Jozi (South Africa), Wande Coal (Nigeria), P-Unit
(Kenya), Sasha (Nigeria), Barbara Kanam (DRC), Sarkodie (Ghana), Radio
& Weasel (Uganda), Paul G (Angola), The Parlotones (South Africa),
J.Martins (Nigeria) and Diamond (Tanzania) at the third annual MAMA
event.

The MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel premieres on MTV base (DStv
Channel 322) on Saturday 18 December at 19:00 CAT, with repeats on
Sunday 12 December at 08:00 CAT and 14:00 CAT.  Further programming
relating to MAMA 2010 includes: Road To MAMA – Tanzania (TV premiere
Thursday 16 December @ 19:00 CAT); Road to MAMA – DRC (TV premiere
Friday 17 December @ 19:00 CAT) and What Went Down 2010 (TV premiere
Sunday 19 December @ 21:00 CAT).

MAMA 2010 NOMINEES
Best Video
Fally Ipupa - Sexy dance (DRC)
P-Square f/t J. Martins- E No Easy (Nigeria)
The Parlotones - Life Design (South Africa)
Banky W - Strong Ting (Nigeria)    Brand:New
Mo Cheddah (Nigeria)
Diamond (Tanzania)
Muthoni (Kenya)
JoJo (Gabon)
Artist of The Year
2 Face (Nigeria)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Jozi (South Africa)
Fally Ipupa (DRC)    Song Of The Year
D'Banj - Fall In Love (Nigeria)
Liquideep - Fairytale (South Africa)
JR - Show Dem (South Africa)
Banky W - Lagos Party (Nigeria)
Best Anglophone
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Wande Coal (Nigeria)
Daddy Owen (Kenya)
Big Nuz (South Africa)    Best Francophone
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Awadi (Senegal)
DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast)
Ba Ponga (Gabon)
Best Lusophone
Lizha James (Mozambique)
Paul G (Angola)
Cabo Snoop (Angola)
Dama Do Bling (Mozambique)    Best Group
P-Square (Nigeria)
Radio & Weasel (Uganda)
Teargas (South Africa)
P-Unit (Kenya)
Best Female
Sasha (Nigeria)
Lizha James (Mozambique)
Nneka (Nigeria)
Barbara Kanam (DRC)    Best Male
2 Face (Nigeria)
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Black Coffee (South Africa)
Wande Coal (Nigeria)
Best International
Rihanna (USA)
Drake (USA)
Eminem (USA)
Rick Ross (USA)

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 is sponsored by Airtel in association
with MasterCard.  Other partners supporting the MTV Africa Music
Awards with Airtel include Arik Air and the Lagos State Government.

- Gistmaster.com

PHOTOS: MTV BASE CHOOSE OR LOSE PARTY IN LAGOS

Trust MTV, when they say its party, then its a party. We have been to so many parties in town but the one put together by MTV Base under Alex Okosi in naija has always been superb. Click Here to see photos from the event which took last Friday at Tribeca Club in Victoria Island ,Lagos

Nigeria's billionaire, Jim Ovia seems to be oasting home so much achievements with his telecom company, Visafone. The latest news about the Delta State born former CEO of Zenith Bank is that Visafone has acquired  Multilinks, another telecommunication company operating in Nigeria. You can read more here