The MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), which were earlier scheduled for February 20, 2021, have been postponed.
The awards showcasing the ultimate in African culture, music, and creativity, were meant to be held in a re-imagined virtual event hosted by U.S. producer Dj Khaled.
However, MTV Base this Thursday evening tweeted that it was “postponing the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards.”
MTV Base said, “We will keep fans updated as we have more news.”
A detailed statement is expected later this Friday, according to organizers.
However, preliminary information indicates Uganda’s tourism ministry worked closely with MTV to postpone the ceremony to May 2021.
Tourism Ministry Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusiime spoke to ChimpReports: “Yes, the decision was reached between the organisers and the Ministry on behalf of Government as the hosts.”
She added: “The event will be held in Uganda at a later date in the near future. We will announce the date later.”
Insiders say instead of holding a virtual event, the awards ceremony is likely to be held physically in Uganda.
Local opposition activists and foreign lobbyists recently started a social media campaign to block the event.
They claimed the awards were part of the “image laundering” plans by the Uganda government after a violent election campaign season.
However, players in the entertainment industry said the MTV Africa Music Awards Kampala 2021 should be supported as an effort to promote tourism, wildlife and cultural heritage conservation for the socio-economic development and transformation of Uganda.
They further argued that sustainable tourism, wildlife and cultural heritage contributes to transforming Uganda into a modern and prosperous nation.
The surprise decision to postpone the awards without providing reasons has attracted mixed reactions, with socia media enthusiasts suggesting MTV base could have succumbed to pressure from activists.
The awards are an ultimate celebration of local African and international talent and achievement.
MAMA 2021 recognizes and rewards musicians, trailblazers and those who are shining a light on the continent’s diverse talent and creativity by instilling positive impact on African music and youth culture over the previous year.
The awards ceremony will feature vibrant performances from leading African and international artists and will also showcase some of the biggest cross-genre and cross-border collaborations.
Godfrey Kiwanda, State Minister for Tourism Uganda recently said the awards were an “extraordinary African cultural experience, and we understand the important role it plays in driving awareness, cross culture education and profiling the continent’s rich leisure tourism offerings on the international stage.”
He added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for global audiences to experience Uganda’s magnificence, the profusion of brilliant life and diverse natural wildlife, and the vast scale of entertainment, events, art, culture, cuisine, history and shopping.”
Kiwanda further noted: “We are also so proud to be able to highlight Uganda’s musical richness and give our talented artists the opportunity to showcase their immense talent, and the diversity of Uganda’s sounds, to music fans beyond this continent. This is indeed a momentous occasion for audiences to experience Uganda as truly “the Pearl of Africa”.”
Craig Paterson, Senior Vice President & General Manager, VCNA, observed, “The latest edition of the MAMA promises to be our biggest and most innovative yet. Millions of fans worldwide will enjoy the digitally re-imagined celebration and African music via multiple broadcasts globally. We are excited to partner with Uganda to bring viewers a unique format and experience that positions Africa’s diverse heritage and digital innovation.”
First staged in 2008, the MTV Africa Music Awards has recognised the talent of musicians, achievers and personalities from across Africa, rewarding iconic artists and gamechangers.
These include: 2Face Idibia, AKA, Anselmo Ralph, Big Nuz, Cassper Nyovest, Clarence Peters, Cabo Snoop, Davido, D’Banj, Diamond Platnumz, Flavour, Gangs of Ballet, HHP, Fally Ipupa, Liquideep, Lira, Lupita Nyong’o, Mafikizolo Nameless, P-Square, Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Toofan, Trevor Noah, Uhuru, Wahu, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Zebra & Giraffe and many more.
