MTV has announced Nigerian superstar D’banj as the Best African Act of the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards, having received the most votes from fans across sub-Saharan Africa.

Hosted by supermodel, TV host and entrepreneur Heidi Klum, the 19th annual awards show was broadcast live from Frankfurt on Sunday 11 November.

D’banj has previously won Best African Act at the 2007 MTV Europe Music Awards, Artist of the Year at both the 2008 and 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards, and Best International Act: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards.

The Nigerian artist will now vie against India’s Alobo Naga & the Band and Ahmed Soultan from the Middle East for the chance to represent the region in the Worldwide Act category, which celebrates all the music that MTV has to offer by showcasing artists from all parts of the world. From now until 30 October, fans will be able to vote for their favorite regional act on www.mtvema.com.

The representative for the Africa/India/Middle East region will be announced on Tuesday 30 October, along with the other regional winners from Europe, Latin America, North America and Asia Pacific.  These five regional nominees will then battle for votes for the “Worldwide Act” distinction, and the winner will be named at the show in Frankfurt.

Fans can vote for Europe Music Awards categories, including Best New, Best Live and more by visiting www.mtvbase.com. Voting for EMA categories is open until Friday 9 November 2012.