Several Nigerian artistes’ names were on the roll call of award winners at the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain in Kenya. M.I. (Nigeria) and Nameless (Kenya) were the big winners of the evening at the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain.

The two artists took home two trophies each at the pan-African music celebration, held at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani, Kenya on 10 October, 2009.
M.I. clinched an impressive duo, scoring for Best New Act and Best Hip Hop.

Nameless won the coveted Best Male artist category at the Awards, which honours and celebrates Africa’s contemporary music stars, as well as the Listener’s Choice category which recognizes the biggest radio hits of the year.

CAN YOU GUESS WHAT’S HAPPENING? Akon and show host, Wyclef Jean on stage at the recently held MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) with Zain in Nairobi, Kenya.

Artist of the Year went to D’Banj – showing the Nigerian star remains at the top of his game after a triple win in 2008 and his MTV Europe Music Awards win in 2007.

Tu Face won the Best R & B song award while the Group Award went to P-Square, to complete Nigeria domination of the roll of honour event sponsored by Zain Best Female went to Kenyan star Amani, making it two in a row for Kenyan female performers after Wahu’s win in Abuja in 2008.

Ghanaian star Samini put dancehall firmly on the map with a win for Best Performer, a fitting tribute to his trademark high energy live performances. African artists scored three awards: MAMA Legend (Lucky Dube), HHP (Best Video) and Zebra & Giraffe (Best Alternative).

Host Wyclef Jean set the uplifting tone for the evening with an electrifying live set including monster hits ‘Sweetest Girl’, ‘No Woman No Cry‘ and ‘Ready or Not’. Hip hop phenomenon Akon, making a long anticipated trip to Kenya, rose o the challenge, rousing the crowd with a show-stopping version of his track, Beautiful.

Dr Saad Al Barrak, CEO of Zain, the co-sponsor of the MAMAs, said the evening confirmed the huge talent that Africa possesses and the influence it had upon the world of music.

“Much of the music we listen to today has its roots in this great continent. I cannot emphasize strongly enough what a privilege it is for Zain to lend its name to such an event. In doing so, we are both keeping alive the flame of Africa’s cultural consciousness and delivering on our promise to bring you “A wonderful world.”