Nigerian superstars, Olamide and Wizkid, have been nominated alongside Alikiba (Tanzania), Black Coffee (South Africa) and Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) for Best African Act at the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards.
Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, stated; “It is wonderful to see African artists nominated at the 2016 MTV EMAs on the same platform as global superstars of the calibre of Rihanna, Beyoncé, Drake, Kanye West and more.”
In other categories, cultural icons Beyoncé and Justin Bieber led the pack with five nominations each. Superstar Adele followed closely behind with four nods, alongside Best Rock nominees Coldplay, Best New Act nominee Lukas Graham and Best Male candidate Shawn Mendes. Rihanna and Drake earned three nods each, including a Best Song nomination for their hit collaboration “Work.” Adele’s record-shattering hit “Hello,” Justin Bieber’s electronic pop track “Sorry,” Lukas Graham’s soul-pop ballad “7 Years” and the Seeb remix of Mike Posner’s dance smash “I Took A Pill In Ibiza” also earned nominations for Best Song.
To celebrate a year of international artistry in a digital era that inspires creative connection between artists and fans more than ever, MTV unveiled the Best Song nominees in a vocal cover medley by Spanish rising artist/Internet sensation Leroy Sanchez. The reveal of the video was broadcast across MTV’s digital platforms and a coalition of media partners.
The 2016 MTV EMAs will air live on MTV and MTV Base on Sunday, November 6 from the Ahoy Rotterdam in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.