Now That the MTV VMAs Are Over, Can We Have the MAMAs?

Glitz Entertainment
Stories by Vanessa Obioha
The jaw-dropping performances at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) 2021 were all the rave on social media platforms recently. From Normani’s ‘Wild Side’ performance that closed with an erotic scene with Teyana Taylor, nailed to cross, to Lil Nas X steamy performances, the show which took place on September 12 at the Barclays Center in New York City grabbed headlines.

Nigeria’s Wizkid was among music stars that took home awards. Beyoncé’s ‘Brown Skin Girl’ which he featured in won in the Best Cinematography category.

While the MTV VMAs spotlighted music stars from other parts of the world, it is time for the company to host the MTV Africa Music Awards which celebrates the musical talents on the continent. It announced the return of the awards last year with a lot of fanfare, after a five-year hiatus. The award, scheduled to hold virtually in Kampala, Uganda on February 20, was however postponed on February 4, almost three weeks to the D-day.

It’s been more than six months since the postponement and no update yet on when the event will return. The significant contributions of the award in the entertainment industry cannot be overemphasized. It is instrumental in the international collaborations most African artists enjoy today.

“The MAMA has long shown its commitment to bringing diverse cultures, African and international artistes and society together to unify, create hope and inspiration. There could not be a more powerful or important time than now to bring the MAMA to life in celebration of the continent, to bring excitement, to unify, and to support music, cultural unification, and youth from across Africa,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager ViacomCBS Networks Africa, Monde Twala in a THISDAY interview early this year.

There were speculations that the continental awards were postponed due to the political conflict in Uganda happening at the time. While the company’s financial loss promoting the event in Kampala is unimaginable, it should consider bringing back the awards as the past few months have seen several music artists showing their creative prowess both on the local and international scene. Examples include Tems who recently inked a recording deal with America-based record label, RCA Records/Since ’93 following the release of her sophomore EP ‘If Orange Was a Place’. It is indeed time for the MAMAs to return and celebrate Africa.