[h=1]Africa battles at MTV music awards 2014[/h]
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Bongo Flava star Diamond performs at one of his concerts in Dar es Salaam recently
By Paul Owere
Posted Friday, June 6 2014 at 12:52
In Summary
- Should either Diamond or Anisa Mpungwe win they will become the first Tanzanians to win at the MTV Music awards
It has been six weeks since the nomination list went up and tomorrow curtains roll down for the fourth edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards ( Mamas), at the Durban International Convention Centre.
Guests, according to a source in South Africa, have started arriving for the annual event which was last held at the Eko Expo Convention Centre in Lagos Nigeria in 2010.
I am told that Tanzania is heavily represented, especially by those living in South Africa who pray that one of the two nominees wins an award which will be the first on that front.
Voting lines have been busy as the different blocs voted for their favourite artistes in what is going to be a tight contest in many ways as the cream de la creama hit the red carpet.
On its return after a four-year hiatus, the show which is expected to draw millions of live television audiences will be hosted by American comedian and actor Marlon Wayans.
On a night when Africa showcases its best in the showbiz arena an array of performances are set to light up the audience at the beach city.
Known for illustrious preparations organisers have lined up artistes such as Miguel, Trey Songz, Flavour Nabania, French Montana, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Mafikizolo, Uhuru and Oskido.
Also on the list are Professor, Diamond Platnumz, Wizkid, Phyno, Yuri Da Cunha, Sauti Sol, Sarkodie, The Arrows, Khuli Chana and Dr SID.
Given the pedigree of these artistes it is by all means going to be a mouth watering evening as they perform their short sets as agreed by the organising committee to suit the requirements of live television.
For the less fortunate who cannot make it to South Africa, the show will be aired live from the Durban Convention Centre from 10pm.
And in another development MTV Base last week finally revealed the nominees of the Best International Act category.
The list features rapper Drake, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, and Miley Cyrus but it is not clear whether these artistes will be in attendance as well.
It is not clear what criteria is used to arrive at the nomination given the fact that they represent a variety of musical interests that are both related and not related to the African cause.
May be in time the organisers will say a thing or two about the choices that seem rather misplaced.
The host
Apart from live performances the spotlight will be on the shows host Marlon Wayans who first found fame with the TV show In Living Color, the highly acclaimed sketch comedy show that helped launch the careers of such future stars as Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx.
Marlon has also co-starred in the comedy sitcom The Wayans Bros, a largely autobiographical show based on the brothers real relationship and personalities.
As a stand-up comedian, Wayans continues to sell out venues across the US. Recently, Wayans comedy took a new turn with the launch of his first online venture, What The Funny with internet serial entrepreneur and Funny Or Die co-founder Randy Adams.
What The Funny serves up urban comedy from established and emerging comedians, writers and actors through its web site at WhatTheFunny.com.
As an actor, Wayans movie outings have grossed more than $736-million at the US box office. Wayans is commonly recognized for his role as Marcus Copeland in the 2004 hit comedy White Chicks, alongside Shawn Wayans, Jamie King and Terry Crews.
What are Tanzania chances?
When the nomination list went up Tanzanians were a bit nervous since Diamond the sole musical nominee faces stiff competition from Nigeria and South Africa.
This year has been quite eventful for singer Diamond who has been nominated in two categories: Best Male and Best Collabo act through his hit single Number One.
In both categories Diamond is featured, there is a strong presence of the Nigerian contingent and given what history has in store Nigerians and West Africa always come out on top in these contests.
In the best Collabo category he takes on Amani ft Radio and Weasel with Kiboko Changu, Mafikizolo feat May D Happiness from South Africa/Nigeria, R2bees feat Wizkid Slow Down from Ghana/Nigeria.
In the Best Male act he takes on Anselmo Ralph from Angola, Davido and Wizkid from Nigeria plus South Africas Donald.
This is the category where Diamond expects the stiffest contest of its kind from Nigerian and South African contingent.
As many pundits have opined it is going to be a tight race for the Tanzanian artiste though in the same breath they admit that he could ride on the popularity of Davido to get Nigerians voting for Number One as the best Collabo.
Though this particular association has drawn some criticism from some pundits it is one that at the end of the day could salvage Diamond some silverware.
The vote for Diamond campaign has been on for several weeks including fellow artistes urging the general public to vote for the Ngololo singer in his second season at the continental awards.
Should he go ahead to win, he will become the first Tanzanian artiste to succeed on that front, one where many can only afford to dream of.
Awards nights can be uplifting and disappointing as it is sometimes not easy to believe that one has really lost after such a campaign yet it is common knowledge that only one can win.
What is obvious for sure, is that the Best Man will carry the day.