Jozi walk away with an MTV African Music gong for Best Live act

Abuja in Nigeria was the place to be this past weekend as the inaugural MTV African Music Awards with Zain went down. The assortment of winners and performers for the night also proved that the African spirit and unity were alive and well. This resulted in the ceremony enjoying a thunderous success.

It seems Les' cries were head (well, not precisely so) as Jozi walked away with the award for Best Live act. Many may remember when the one third of the energetic hip hop outfit made headlines criticising South Africans for not voting in awards that require the public votes. I'm extremely excited and feel they more than deserve the accollade as they are absolutely the best in their live performances. Other South Africans that put the country on the map were the rockers Seether who took the golden mic for Best Alternative ensemble. Also, it's said that the most poignant moment of the night was when MTV paid homage to two of Africa's most treasured legends, including Mama Africa Miriam Makeba, who passed away just a few weeks before the awards ceremony.

The biggest winner of the night at the first ever MTV African Music Awards with Zain was Nigerian music extraordinaire D'Banj. He scooped the statuettes for Best Male, Artist Of the Year and Viewer's Choice categories. Other winners included Kenya's Wahu as Best Female for the night; Alicia Keys crowned for Best R&B (award accepted by my wife in my head :-), Kelly Rowland on Alicia's behalf), as well another of the most coveted categories Best Group, which was awarded to Nigerian twin-duo P Square.

The performances wing of the awards is said to have been sizzling hot too, with an electrifying collaboration between Kelly Rowland and D'Banj; an intense dance-off between P Square and Jozi; a soulful delivery by Paris-based Nigeria's Asa; as well as a thrilling showcase by FloRida and The Game. Apparently, other noteworthy highlights included sterling perfromances from HHP, 9ice, Cassette, Jua Cali, Naeto C, Ikechukwu and Fela Kuti's (who was honoured with MAMA Legend award) son Sean Kuti accompanied by his father's band Egypt 80.

It sounds like it was a memorable night and a great beginning for the MTV African Music Awards with Zain. We can only hope that it grows bigger and better. Alex Okosi did mention at a press conference in Jozi during the Road to MAMA's tour that the awards ceremony will be taken around the continent, so I'm waiting with excitement for Mzansi's turn in the next few years.

If you missed out on all the festivities, please tune into MTVbase in the next few days as I'm sure Sizwe and Fikile will bring you snippets behind the velvet rope of the MAMA's.

Lala Ngoxolo Mama Africa!

The world is reeling with the shocking news of the passing away of the legendary icon Miriam Makeba. Affectionately known to the world as Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba passed away early on Monday morning, shortly after performing in Italy. The first time I learnt about the sad news was yesterday as CNN ran their afternoon headlines.

The early and late evening local broadcast stations also ran the story yesterday, with a full coverage on Morning Live this morning. It is such a sad time for the music fraternity and the world at large. Mama Africa will always be remembered not only for her timeless music, but for her endless goodwill efforts throughout the world. I'm glad I had a brief glimpse into her life as a performer when I saw her doing her final public appearance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival last year. The packed to capacity venue proved her iconic and legendary status as thousands of music revellers sang along to every tune she belted out.

I also have a fond memory of her rare live DVD that was recorded in 1966 at Ben's in Stolkholm, which I presented to Bab' Themba Mkhize for his 50th birthday last year. He was very excited to get such a gift, even moreso because he is related to Mama Africa by law (Bab' Themba Mkhize's eldest son is married to Mama Africa's granddaughter and singer Zenzile).

Mama Africa, we will always treasure and cherish the legacy of universal love you have bestowed upon us. May God bless you with the peace you deserve as you become one of His Angels up above. Our condolenses goes to the Makeba family and relatives, as well as close friends.