Oscar winner Lupita named MTV Africa 2014 personality

DURBAN,  

Oscar award winner Lupita Nyong’o has  bagged the Personality of The Year title at the 2014 MTV African Music Awards (MAMA).

The 31-year-old, who won the best supporting actress academy award in March for her role in the historical drama, 12 Years a Slave, was not present to receive her award at the ceremony held in South Africa’s south eastern city of Durban on Saturday.

She became the first winner of the new non-music lifestyle category.

She beat Nigerian award-winning novelist Chimamanda Adichie, South African top stand-up comedian Trevor Noah, Cote d’Ivoire footballer Yaya Toure and popular Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde to the title.

The MAMA celebrate Pan-African music, youth culture and talent. Winners are chosen by public vote.

STRONG COMPETITION

South Africa’s Afro-pop duo, Mafikizolo, took the best group award, while their track, Khona, was voted song of the year. They beat other strong nominees including Nigeria’s popular R&B duo P-Square.

Nigerian Afro-pop artiste and producer Davido won the  Artiste of The Year award.

He also scooped the best male artiste’s prize, while his compatriot, the multi-talented  Tiwa Savage, was declared the best female artiste.

Sarkordie of Ghana was named the best hip-pop group.

The awards host, American stand up comic, film and television sensation Marlon Wayans expressed a wish for the safe return of more than 200 Nigerian girls who were kidnapped by the extremist Islamist group, Boko Haram.

Wayans also paid tribute to anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela. “Madiba had a profound impact on not only South Africa but on the entire world as a whole, so tonight we pay tribute to Mr Mandela,” said host Wayans. 

Legendary all-male South African acapella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo made a surprise showing to give a stunning performance.

Cameroon’s Stanley Enow was the first winner announced at the show, which was aired live from the Durban International Convention Centre. He took  the Best New Act prize.

The MTV music awards were first held in 2008 and have each year recognised iconic musicians from the continent. (AFP)

OTHER WINNERS

West Africans bag awards

Mafikizolo (South Africa): Took the best group award. Their track Khona was voted song of the year.

Davido (Nigeria): Was voted Artiste of the Year. He also scooped the best male artiste’s prize.

Tiwa Savage (Nigeria): Was voted the best female artiste.

Sarkordie (Ghana):  Was the best hip hop group.

Stanley Enow (Cameroon): Declared the best new act.