1st December, 2013
FUNSHO AROGUNDADE/Johannesburg
Nigeria’s top singers, PSquare, Banky W and Wizkid did their country proud as they shone brightly last night 30 November as the 10th Annual Channel O Africa Music Awards was held at the magnificient The Dome of Walter Sisulu Square, Kliptown, Soweto, South Africa.
The trio scored big during the awards ceremony, taking home four awards including the night’s top prize of ‘Most Gifted Video of the year’ won by EME/Starboy Records’ Wizkid with his hit song, ‘Azonto’.
Wizkid, 23, edge out other chart toppers including Mafikizolo (Khona), PSquare (Alingo), Xtatic, AKA & Priddy Ugly (Hit Em Up), Zeus Ft.AKA & Tumi (#DatsWasup), STL (Stella, Stella, Stella), AKA (Jealousy), Reason (Do it Like I Can), FuseODG Ft Wyclef Jean (Antennae), Ice Prince (Aboki), R2Bees (Life Wahala) and Paul G Ft. Fabulous (Get Control).
“This award is for all my fans across Africa who have been supporting my career and voted for me. Thank you,” said Wizkid after receiving his award.
During the night that some of Africa’s pop music biggest names came together for the fan-voting awards ceremony, it was double honour for EME family as Wizkid’s mentor, Banky W also won the ‘Most Gifted R&B Video Award for ‘Yes/No’.
The dynamic duo of PSquare also won the ‘Most Gifted Africa West Video’ for ‘Alingo’. They were equally honoured with the ‘Special Recognition Award’ for their contribution to the continent’s music scene and placing them on the same pedastal with past honorees such as legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Hugh Masekela, Brenda Fassie, Oskido and D’Banj.
The multiple award winning twins later performed back-to-back some of their hits including ‘Personally’, ‘Alingo’, ‘E No Easy’ and ‘Game Over’ to the delight of appreciable live audience.
The night turned out a great one for host country, South Africa with seven awards in her kitty. They had the likes of Professor winning Most Gifted Kwaito Video; rapper AKA won Most Gifted Hip Hop Video with his hit track ‘Jealousy’; Oskido won Most Gifted African South Video with ‘Tsa Mandebele’; and Mafikizolo won Most Gifted Dance Video with ‘Khona’.
Others South African winners were The Soil Ft. Zakwe winning Most Gifted Afro Pop Video; Khaya Mthethwa who won the coveted Most Gifted Newcomer Video award with his song ‘Move’, dusting the likes of Nigeria’s Lola Rae and Burna Boy; and Port Elizabeth-born Zanke Dikana claiming the Most Gifted Female Video award with her song ‘Feelings’ ahead of contenders that included Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage.
Also on the honours’ roll are Kenya’s P-Unit ft. Collo wins Most Gifted Ragga/Dancehall Video (You Guy); Zambia’s Zonefam wins in the Most Gifted Duo/Group/Featuring Video category and Zeus Ft. Aka & Tumi with the song ‘#DatsWasup’ winning the Most Gifted Male Video.
Nigeria rap star and Channel O multiple awards winner, Naeto C delivered A-class performance as he co-hosted the awards show alongside South Africa rapper, AKA. They both held the select guests inside the Dome and millions of television viewers across Africa spellbound with their well-rehearsed show. “I am really excited to host this year’s awards, especially on its 10th annivesary. To be a part of this experience is totally awesome,” Naeto C told P.M.NEWS before the show.
This year’s edition, which coincidentally marked a decade of the awards, confirmed CHOAMVA’s rating as Africa’s most consistently rewarding show with superb line-up of brightest stars who delivered scintillating performances.
Among those who gave Africa a spectacular time on CHOAMVA stage were Cassper Nyovest, Burna Boy, The Soil, Khuli Chana, Victoria Kimani, Wizkid, AKA, Lizha James, Buffalo Souljah and Mafikizolo, who closed the night’s proceeding.