MTV has announced nominations for the “2021 MTV EMAs” with Africa’s biggest acts from Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa, securing nominations. Nigerian superstars Wizkid and songstress Tems who both collaborated on the global hit “Essence”
were each nominated in the Best African Act category alongside while South African “Ke Star” hitmaker Focalistic as Amapiano’s global recognition continues to grow. Ghanaian songstress Amaarae of “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” fame and African superstar Diamond Platnumz of Tanzania have also clinched a nomination in the category.
Voting is now open at mtvema.com until Wednesday, November 10 at 22:59 WAT, so fans
can cast votes for their favourite African Act beginning today. The “2021 MTV EMAs” will premiere exclusively on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322, GOtv Channel 72) on Sunday, November 14 at 20:00 WAT (Pre-Show) and 21:00 WAT (Main Show).
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ViacomCBS Networks Africa commented, “The 2021 MTV EMAs is one of the biggest entertainment stages in the world and we are excited to see African stars shine and make their presence felt globally. Congratulations to all of our African nominees for their incredible achievements. We are
proud to witness such great diversity of African talent, music and culture. This is an amazing showcase of their artistry to the world”.
Nigerian nominee Tems said, “I’m extremely excited to be nominated for the Best African Act at the MTV EMAs. The last few years have been crazy and I am just grateful to God for all the blessings so far. I am honoured to be a part of the amazing voices from our continent who are breaking barriers and redefining music globally.”
“I am so happy and proud to be nominated at the 2021 MTV EMAs, it means a lot to me, my generation, the Swahili nation and the whole of Africa, I truly appreciate it,” commented Diamond Platnumz.
Globally Justin Bieber is the Award’s frontrunner securing eight nominations. Bieber’s nods include “Best Artist,” “Best Pop,” two “Best Song” noms for his global hits “Peaches” featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon and “STAY” with The Kid LAROI, “Best Video” for “Peaches,” “Best Collaboration” alongside The Kid LAROI and “Biggest Fans.” Doja Cat and Lil Nas X follow Bieber with six nods each, both across “Best Song,” “Best Video” and “Best
Collaboration.” British global superstar Ed Sheeran and EMA newcomers Olivia Rodrigo and The Kid LAROI follow closely with five nominations each, including “Best Pop” and “Best Song” for Sheeran and Rodrigo. The above artists’ nominations also include “Best Local
Act” for each of their respective home countries.
The “2021 MTV EMAs” will take place at the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna in Hungary, and broadcast live on MTV channels in 180 countries and will air locally on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322, GOtv Channel 72) on Sunday November 14 at 20:00 WAT (Pre-Show) and 21:00 WAT (Main Show).
Voting is now open at mtvema.com until Wednesday, November 10 at 22:59 WAT, so fans can cast votes beginning today.
COMPLETE LIST – 2021 MTV EMA NOMINEES
Best African Act
Tems
Wizkid
Amaarae
Diamond Platnumz
Focalistic
Best Artist
Doja Cat
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga
Lil Nas X
The Weeknd
Best Pop
BTS
Doja Cat
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Olivia Rodrigo
Best Song
Doja Cat ft. SZA – Kiss Me More
Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits
Justin Bieber – Peaches ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon
Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)
Olivia Rodrigo – Drivers License
The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber – STAY
Best Video
Doja Cat ft. SZA – Kiss Me More
Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits
Justin Bieber – Peaches ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon
Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)
Normani ft. Cardi B – Wild Side
Taylor Swift – willow
Best Collaboration
Black Eyed Peas, Shakira – GIRL LIKE ME
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – Leave the Door Open
Doja Cat ft. SZA – Kiss Me More
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – INDUSTRY BABY
The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber – STAY
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande – Save Your Tears (Remix)
Best New
Giveon
Griff
Olivia Rodrigo
Rauw Alejandro
Saweetie
The Kid LAROI
Best Electronic
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Joel Corry
Marshmello
Skrillex
Swedish House Mafia
Best Rock
Coldplay
Foo Fighters
Imagine Dragons
Kings Of Leon
Måneskin
The Killers
Best Alternative
Halsey
Lorde
Machine Gun Kelly
Twenty One Pilots
WILLOW
YUNGBLUD
Best Latin
Bad Bunny
J. Balvin
Maluma
Rauw Alejandro
Rosalía
Shakira
Best Hip Hop
Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
Kanye West
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Best K-Pop
BTS
LISA
Monsta X
NCT 127
ROSÉ
TWICE
Best Group
BTS
Imagine Dragons
Jonas Brothers
Little Mix
Måneskin
Silk Sonic
Best Push
24KGoldn
Fousheé
girl in red
Griff
JC Stewart
JXDN
Latto
Madison Beer
Olivia Rodrigo
Remi Wolf
SAINt JHN
The Kid LAROI
Biggest Fans
Ariana Grande
BLACKPINK
BTS
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift
Video for Good
Billie Eilish – Your Power
Demi Lovato – Dancing With The Devil
girl in red – Serotonin
H.E.R. – Fight For You
Harry Styles – Treat People With Kindness
Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)
Best US Act (BEST LOCAL ACT*)
Ariana Grande
Doja Cat
Lil Nas X
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
