Durban, the self-appointed playground of South Africa, will be the place to be in July, when the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) take place in the city for the second year running.
On July 18 2015, the annual celebration of African talent will be held at the Durban International Conference Centre. This year’s ceremony has the theme “We are one” — an appropriate sentiment for a city trying to recover from a spate of xenophobic attacks.
Unveiling the city’s hosting of the popular event, Desmond Golding, Head of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, said xenophobia would never be tolerated by the province.
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Head of Durban Tourism Phillip Sithole added: “We look forward to an unforgettable event. May the MTV Awards continue to be the best platform to bring Africa together on our shores and allow our continent to enjoy the unique flavours of Destination Durban.”
Nominees for the 17 gongs — which include Best New Act, an award sponsored by Absolut — are yet to be revealed.
However, this hasn’t stopped artists such as Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer/songwriter Patoraking, local rapper Cassper Nyovest and singer Bucie expressing their support at the press conference held at Southern Sun’s iconic Elangeni & Maharani Hotel.
While last year’s event attracted international stars including R&B crooner Miguel and host of the show, US comedian Marlon Wayans, the VIMN (Viacom International Media Networks) powers-that-be remained mum about who they’ve got lined up for 2015.
While we await the big nominee announcements in the coming week, here’s a look back at some of the fashion highs and lows of the 2014 event.
Bonang Matheba dressed by her designer pal, Gert-Johan Coetzee; this green number was subsequently seen on Miss South Africa 2014, Ziphozakhe Zokufa.
On a night when the men went wild in their choices, Danny K kept it simple and dapper.
We loved Nondumiso Tembe's accessories - the perfect way to celebrate Africanism.
Somizi's glasses, pants and hair. The less said, the better.
Dominic Peters, one half of Goldfish, was just too underdressed for the occasion. Hopefully he will put in a bit more effort this year.
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