Zimbabwe gets a taste of Oscar glory and a “Kanye” moment with Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett

Zimbabwe enjoyed its first taste of Oscar glory on Sunday night when the film ‘Music by Prudence’ won the Best Short Documentary gong at the 2010 Academy Awards.

“Music by Prudence” documents Prudence Mabhena’s life. She’s a 21-year-old from Bulawayo who has arthrogryposis, a congenital disorder that crippled her arms and legs.

Few Oscar films have packed in more profundity per minute than the tale of Prudence and seven other disabled young musicians transcending bigotry and isolation through art and fellowship.

“This is amazing. Two years ago when I flew to Zimbabwe, I never imagined I would wind up here,” said the film’s American producer-director, Roger Williams as he accepted the award. “This is for Prudence.”

In the audience, Prudence beamed from her wheelchair after making the trip to the Awards having earlier expressed doubts because of problems with her visa.

The only blemish on Prudence’s incredible night was producer Elinor Burkett borrowing a move from Kanye West’s playbook when she stormed the stage and interrupted Williams’ acceptance. The two collaborated on the movie.

Burkett explained in a post-speech interview with Salon that the pair had a disagreement over the “direction of the film” and that she was late to the podium because Williams’ mother used a cane to keep her from the stage. She went on to say that Williams hadn’t even heard of Zimbabwe until she told him about the country.

Read both sides of the story here

Despite that small hiccup, it was a great achievement and a beautiful story.

Nominees for 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards Announced in Accra

The 6^th African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nominees were announced at the Mensvic Grand Hotel in East Legon, Accra Ghana. The actual event shall be held in Yenagoa, the capital of the oil-rich Bayelsa State, Nigeria, on April 10, 2010.

In 2009 Kenya took the lead but this year, they have been surpassed by Ghana and Nigeria who will be going neck to neck in many different categories. It did not help that Wanuri Kahiu opted not to enter her futuristic Scifi short, Pumzi for the AMAA 2010.

Nominees

Best Documentary

• Mwamba Ngoma, Tanzania
• Peace Wanted Alive, Kenya
• Bariga Boys, Nigeria
• En quette d’identite, Burkina Faso
• Innovating for Africa, Nigeria

Best Short Film

• Mahala, Mozambique
• The Abbys Boys, South Africa
• The Painter, Uganda
• Suara La, Nigeria
• The Camera, Nigeria

Best Animation

• Honyan’s Shoe, Egypt
• Adventure of Alayo, Nigeria
• Zoodo, Burkina Faso
• Lyrics, Algeria
• One Step of Love, Algeria

Best Film by An African in the Diaspora

• Soul Diaspora
• Okra Principle
• China Wahala
• Crunch

Best Film in an African Language

• Omo Iya Kan, Nigeria
• Aldewolem, Ethiopia
• Togetherness Supreme, Kenya
• Imani, Uganda
• Game of my Life, South Africa

Heart of Africa Award for Best Film from Nigeria

• The Child
• High Blood Pressure
• Nnenda
• Lillies of the Ghetto
• The Figurine

AMAA Achievement in Sound

• The Tenant, Nigeria
• Season of a Life, Malawi
• The Perfect Picture, Ghana
• I sing of a well, Ghana
• Soul Diaspora, Diaspora

AMAA Achievement in Editing

• Season of a Life, Malawi
• The Child, Nigeria
• The Perfect Picture, Ghana
• Heart of Men, Ghana
• Lilies of the Ghetto, Nigeria

AMAA Achievement in Art Direction

• I sing of a well, Ghana
• Fulani, Nigeria
• The Child, Nigeria
• The Figurine, Nigeria
• Imani, Uganda

AMAA Achievement in Make Up

• Heart of Men, Ghana
• The Child, Nigeria
• The King is Mine, Ghana
• I sing of a well, Ghana
• Fulani, Nigeria

AMAA Achievement in Costume

• The Perfect Picture, Ghana
• Prince’s Bride, Ghana
• The Child, Nigeria
• I sing of a Well, Ghana
• Lilies of the Ghetto, Nigeria

AMAA Achievement in Visual Effect

• The Child, Nigeria
• The Figurine, Nigeria
• A sting in a Tale, Ghana
• Fulani, Nigeria
• Heart of Men, Ghana

Best Original Soundtrack

• Seasons of a Life, Malawi
• Imani, Uganda
• A sting in a Tale, Ghana
• The Child, Nigeria
• The Figurine, Nigeria

Best Performance by a Child Actor

• Teddy Onyango and Bill Oloo—Togetherness Supreme, Kenya
• Tobi Oboli—The Figurine, Nigeria
• Feyisola Ewulomi—Champions of our Time, Nigeria
• Treasure Obasi—Champions of our Time, Nigeria
• Mfanafuthi Magudulela—Game of my Life

Most Promising Actress

• Martha Kisaka—Togetherness Supreme, Kenya
• Chelsea Eze—Silent Scandal,
• Martha Ankomah—Sins of the Soul, Ghana
• Ashionye Michelle Ugboh—Jungle Ride, Nigeria
• Rahema Nanfuka—Imani, Uganda

Most Promising Actor

• Wilson Maina—Togetherness Supreme, Kenya
• Wale Ojo—The Child, Nigeria
• John Dumelo—Heart of Men, Ghana
• Pethro Tumba Mbole—Game of My Life
• Sunny Chikezie—Lilies of the Ghetto, Nigeria

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

• Godwin Kotey—I sing of a well, Ghana
• Francis Duru—Nnenda, Nigeria
• Yemi Blaq—High Blood Pressure, Nigeria
• Adjatey Anang—The Perfect Picture, Ghana

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

• Doris Sakitey—A sting in a Tale, Ghana
• Funlola Aoifeyebi-Raimi—The Figurine, Nigeria
• Tapiwa Gwaza—Seasons of a Life, Malawi
• Yvonne Nelson—Heart of Men, Ghana

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

• Bimbo Akintola—Freedom in Chains, Nigeria
• Jackie Appiah, Lydia Farson, Naa Ashoku Mensa-Doku—The Perfect Picture, Ghana
• Stephanie Okereke—Nnenda, Nigeria
• Flora Suya—Season of a Life, Malawi
• Akofa Edjeani Asiedu—I sing of a Well, Ghana

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

• Lucky Ejim—The Tenant, Nigeria
• Majid Michel—Sin of a Soul, Ghana
• Ramsey Nouah—The Figurine, Nigeria
• Sadiq Abu—Soul Diaspora, Diaspora
• John Osie Tutu Agyeman—I Sing of a well, Ghana

Best Screenplay

• Seasons of a Life, Malawi
• The Tenant, Nigeria
• Freedom In chains,
• Guilty Pleasure, Ghana
• I sing of a well, Ghana

AMAA Achievement in Cinematography

• The Perfect Picture, Ghana
• The Figurine, Nigeria
• I sing of a Well, Ghana
• The Child, Nigeria
• The Tenant, Nigeria

Best Picture

• Seasons of a Life, Malawi
• The Tenant, Canada/Nigeria
• The Perfect Picture, Ghana
• The Figurine, Nigeria
• I sing of a well, Ghana

Best Director

• Charles Shemu Joyah—Seasons of a Life, Malawi
• Shirley Frimpong-Manso—The Perfect Picture, Ghana
• Kunle Afolayan—The Figurine, Nigeria
• Leila Jewel Djansi—I sing of a well, Ghana
• Jude Idada and Lucky Ejim—The Tenant, Nigeria

Kenyan Director Wanuri Kahui Wins Best Narrative Feature at the Pan African Film and Arts Festival for “From A Whisper”

The Jury, Audience, Festival, and other special award-winners of the 2010 PAN AFRICAN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL (PAFF) were announced tonight at the Festival’s Awards Ceremony hosted by actress CCH Pounder (Avatar) at the Culver Plaza Theatres.  The Kenyan narrative FROM A WHISPER won for Best Narrative Feature.  A three-way tie was announced for the Audience Favorite Narrative Award for films SOUL DIASPORA, A STING IN A TALE, and SPEED-DATING.  The documentary on the L.A. Black Panthers 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS won the Audience Favorite Documentary Award.

With the theme “Get Involved,” this year’s PAFF featured 135 films representing 36 countries, including 40 in competition, 64 feature length films, and 12 world premieres.

The films receiving Jury Awards were selected from six categories: Best Feature Documentary, Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short, Best Feature Narrative, and First Time Narrative Feature Directing.  All films in competition were also eligible for the PAFF’s Audience Awards as selected by Festival audiences.  The PAFF Board of Directors and Programmer Festival Awards were awarded to their pick for Best Documentary and Best Narrative film.  A special award from the BritishAcademyof Film and Television Arts/Los Angeles Festival Choice Award was awarded to the film FROM A WHISPER.

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival, is America’s largest and most prestigious Black film and arts festival that takes place annually in Los Angeles during the month of February.  For more information, please visit www.paff.org.

2010 PAFF FILMMAKER AWARD WINNERS

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE

From A Whisper (Director: Wanuri Kahiu; Screenwriter: Wanuri Kahiu) – One of the most important films made in the world in this historical period. This stunning narrative revolves on one hand around a Kenyan family that was caught up in the bombing of the American Embassy by Islamist terrorists a few years ago. On one hand it revolves around a daughter’s experience to the bombing, on the other it revolves around Abu, a Muslim intelligence officer who is investigating the bombing. Abu has a complex and deep friendship with one of the terrorists. This film gives riveting and enriching insight into the complex narrative that is our life. Winner of the best picture in Africa last year at the Africa Movie Awards (AMAA).  Los Angeles Premiere.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Stolen (Directors: Violeta Ayala & Daniel Fallshaw) – Set against the backdrop of the Sahara, in the Polisario-governed refugee camps, two unsuspecting filmmakers find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes political thriller when the Black Saharawis start talking about a forbidden subject: their freedom. Against the threat of severe consequences, the Black Saharawis reveal to the documentary filmmakers that they are enslaved. This story is all the more frightening because it is true and the issue of modern day slavery is proven to be a widespread reality.  US Premiere.

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT

Cred (Director: Sherman Payne; Screenwriter: Sherman Payne) – What do you do when your upstairs neighbor refuses to stop the 24-hour party? You get your homies and prove that you have some cred. Stars Al Thompson.

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

For the Best and For the Onion! (Pour Le Meilleur et Pour l’Oignon!)(Director: Elhadj Magori Sani) – The Galmi purple, an onion from Niger, pervades West African markets with 400,000 tons a year. In Galmi, Salamatou has been waiting for her wedding for two years.  Her father Yaro, on advice from both her future in-laws and the village gossip, makes a decision: The wedding will take place during the harvest! Yaro is aware that to follow through on his commitment this time, he has to produce more and sell at a higher price…Los Angeles Premiere.

BEST FIRST TIME NARRATIVE FEATURE AWARD FOR DIRECTING

The Harimaya Bridge (Director: Aaron Woolfolk) – Daniel Holder’s father was killed fighting the Japanese during the Second World War…something he thought he had made peace with long ago, until a recent discovery revealed to him the cruel and brutal way in which his father died. So when Daniel’s beloved artist son Mickey takes a job in Japan teaching English, it creates a rift between them. Mickey dies in a traffic accident, and Daniel’s profound regret at their estrangement is matched only by his increased resentment towards Japan…a country he thinks took not only his father, but now his only child as well. Despite these feelings, Daniel goes to Japan to retrieve Mickey’s final paintings. But despite the kindness he is shown and the evidence of the happy life his son led, he cannot let go of his hatred. But some unexpected discoveries about Mickey’s life and legacy change everything for Daniel, forcing him to reassess his feelings and the life he will henceforth lead. Starring Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, Danny Glover, Victor Grant.

AUDIENCE FAVORITE-NARRATIVE FEATURE

Soul Diaspora (Director: Odera Ozoka) – Saidu, a Nigerian immigrant living in Los Angeles, must overcome sleepless nights due to his family’s tormented lineage inAfrica. He is alone in the world, often hearing voices in his head. The film interweaves through color and black & white to illustrate Saidu’s erratic behavior and mental state. The souls of the characters are stripped to the core by one searing event which gives them all a fresh perspective, exploring the varying shades of grey in life.  Los AngelesPremiere.

Speed-Dating (Director: Joseph A. Elmore Jr.)This high-energy romantic comedy follows three bachelors, speeding through life and scheming on women. When it comes to the opposite sex, it’s about the “chase” and “finish line.” Dog and Beaver spend their last dime on a nightclub, while Too Cool devises the ultimate scheme to get women and money – SPEED-DATING! Stars Wesley Johnathan, Chris Elliot, and Holly Robinson Peete. World Premiere.

A Sting in A Tale (Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso; Screenwriter: Shirley Frimpong-Manso) – Two young couples are striving to survive the harsh realities of life after university; unemployment, uncertainty, desperation and in the middle of it all, love. Kuuku is frustrated with unemployment and is faced with the possibility of losing his true love Frema because Frema’s mother sees no good future in their relationship. With these pressures, Kuuku moves heaven and earth trying to find a good job and a means to provide the future he so desperately seeks for himself, his future wife and kids. He takes the most drastic measure by resorting to rituals and soon after that, Frema passes away. After her death, Kuuku gets a well paying job and becomes a millionaire almost overnight. With the new fortunes comes a new set of problems as his best friend, Nii Aryee starts to envy Kuuku’s wealth and starts asking questions. The ghost of Frema will not rest until the mystery surrounding her death is cleared. What unfolds is a series of unpredictable and hilarious events that would take viewers on a roller-coaster of emotions from laughter to tears and even pity.  US Premiere.

AUDIENCE FAVORITE-DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

41^st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers (Director: Gregory Everett) - 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS is the first part in a documentary series that follows the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party from its glorious Black Power beginnings through to its tragic demise. Despite the Party’s formation of free medical clinics and a successful breakfast program for children, the L.A. chapter was also known as the most violent Black political group in the United States. 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS explores the Black Panther ethos, its conflict with the L.A.P.D. and the US Organization, as well as the events that shaped the complicated and often contradictory legacy of the L.A.chapter. 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS contains interviews with former Black Panther Party members along with archival footage detailing the history of racism in Los Angeles, including the Watt’s uprising from the perspective of the participants who “engaged with the L.A.P.D.” 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS is the most in-depth study ever of the L.A. Chapter founder Alpretice “Bunchy Carter” and features first hand accounts of the Party’s formation as told by the original surviving members. This film gives the viewer an eyewitness account of Bunchy and John Huggins murders at U.C.L.A. in 1968 and includes exclusive interviews with Black Panther Party leaders Geronimo Ji Jagga and Elaine Brown. Also featured are former Black Panther members Ericka Huggins, Roland & Ronald Freeman, Wayne Pharr, Jeffrey Everett, Long John Washington, Muhammad Mubarak, former L.A.P.D. Chief Bernard Parks, US Organization member Wesley Kabaila, U.C.L.A. Professor Scot Brown, and many others.

PAFF PROGRAMMER AWARD-NARRATIVE

Everyday Black Man (Director: Carmen Madden) – Since closing the door on a violent past, quiet and thoughtful Moses Stanton’s everyday existence is running a small neighborhood fruit and vegetable store. When a young man, Malik, comes in with a business proposition, Moses takes him on as a partner but soon realizes that Malik is selling more than just baked goods. Produced by Dwayne Wiggins, formally of Tony, Toni, Tone.  Los Angeles Premiere.

PAFF PROGRAMMER AWARD-DOCUMENTARY

Sweet Crude (Director: Sandy Cioffi) – A scathing look at the politics, the people and the spin surrounding the policies in the Nigerian Delta. Although it is one of the most oil rich regions on Earth and the source of much of oil the products used in the U.S., the people living in the area do not share in the enormous wealth generated by the precious natural resource.

PAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD-NARRATIVE

Nothing But the Truth (Director: John Kani) – Film written by John Kani one of South Africa’s top actors. This film is an in depth look at a major issue in South Africa today and indeed in all societies that have been created from a revolutionary struggle. The story revolves around a middle age man who did not participate in the liberation struggle. He opted to sit out the liberation struggle and remain at his post as a junior librarian in apartheid South Africa. On the other hand, his brother joined the liberation struggle and became a hero. The film deals with sibling rivalry cut across with the social political and psychological contradictions that have always played out in any liberation struggle. Los Angeles Premiere.

PAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD-DOCUMENTARY

Motherland (Director: Owen ‘Alik Shahadah) – From the director of the internationally acclaimed “500 Years Later” comes this gem of a film. Tracing the past and with an eye to the future, the film examines the current African landscape. Featuring an all-star cast of African Presidents and thinkers including Dr. Maulana Karenga, the father of Kwanzaa, and Dr. Molefi Asante.  World Premiere.

Mamadou Diabate takes home his first Grammy

Malian Artist put off a trip to Mali after his wife convinced him to attend the 52nd Grammys.  Just as he planned to leave New York for Los Angeles, a snow storm came in, grounding all flights. Diabate had to drive to Atlanta from New York to catch a flight to Los Angeles in time for the Grammys. Little did he know the prize was his. This was Diabate’s second nomination and his first win in the Best Traditional World Music Album category.

Akon’s New Track And Video “Oh Africa” Featuring Keri Hilson and Soweto Gospel Choir hit airwaves Grammy Night!

“Oh Africa” is a song recorded by Akon featuring Keri Hilson and The Soweto Gospel Choir as a charity single that will benefit underprivileged African youth. The song and the filmed music video were released today as a digital download on Grammy Night January 31, 2010.

Proceeds from the sale of the new song will go towards helping underprivileged African youth. Akon’s Konfidence Foundation will be one of the main charities set to receive a portion of the proceeds.

“Oh Africa” will accompany the new, global Pepsi football TV commercial and form the centerpiece of the brand’s new worldwide campaign “Refresh Your World,” which is based on enabling youth to make a positive change in the world in which they live.

Ambe Tebong Neba on the Rise as Denzyl

Nigeria has set the tone for Afropop and 21 year old Cameroonian singer and song writer Ambe Tebong Neba a.k.a Denzyl is adding Cameroon to the mix. His just released single, ‘So Long’ could soon serve as a ‘party warmer’ with its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics.

The song is about his mother who passed away, written as a love song anyone can relate to. “When I sing, ‘You stole my love away’, I’m talking about how the cold hands of death snatched my mother from me. Loosing her was really heartbreaking, but it made me stronger. The video is a celebration because in Africa, after mourning the death of a loved one, we then celebrate the person’s life and the fact that the loved one now lives forever in the next life. In the same way, after you suffer with lost love or any other problems in life, you must always celebrate the fact that you live again to fight another day.”

After the devastation in Haiti, the artist decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from each paid download of the song ‘So Long’ to UNICEF and the Red Cross for Haiti relief efforts.

AFRICANVIBES.COM: Cameroonian Artists are fairly new to Afropop. What inspired you to pursue this genre?

I listened to a lot of American Hip Hop/R&B from the time I was still running around in diapers – or napkins, as we called it then; that influenced me a lot. By the time I was 13, I was only thinking about music. I thought of doing something different in my local language (Pidgin English), which everybody could understand. However, I still include pure English language in some of my songs from time to time in order to reach those who cannot understand the pidgin language.

AFRICANVIBES.COM: What was it like creating your own album?

It’s never an easy road when you’re trying to create something you hope people will like, even if you’re the most gifted dude on earth. Many times we even have to sleep in the studio trying to come up with something. I have sacrificed a lot of time, energy and personal relationships hoping to make it happen. I even lost a girlfriend I really loved because I was spending all my time in the studio sessions and had no time for anybody else. Now, I’m very excited because we came up with something new and revolutionary; a rare blend of Afrobeat with Hip Hop/R&B that we call AFRO-HOP. Yes, we’re introducing the Afro-Hop revolution, and those who’ve already listened to SOME of the songs on Jango Radio online are really appreciating and loving the sound.

My debut album – which was in fact a demo presentation entitled ‘’E Don Blow’’ – was produced in Nigeria by J Sleek, the same guy who made the music for  African superstars like 2 Face Idibia, Faze, Chuddy K and Sound Sultan. Some songs were also produced by Jedi of Chillen Music, a recording studio in Buea, Cameroon. My collaboration with J Sleek was the most enriching experience for me because he is a Nigerian artist and music producer with an incredible record of greatest hits. And he happens to have produced most of my songs.

AFRICANVIBES.COM: Which artists have most inspired your musical career?

Well, many different artists and many different vibes inspire me. From Africa, I would name 2 Face Idibia as my best of them all. I love his music and vibe, and he’s a true inspiration for younger artists like me hoping to accomplish something new. I also love Akon a lot and he inspires me to accomplish even more than he has done to date in the USA and worldwide. Finally, I believe there is a little bit of Michael Jackson in every living artist. He’s the best of all time!

AFRICANVIBES.COM: It must be challenging trying to stand out as an Artist in Africa. How has it been for you?

I’ve known all the ups and downs of the musician’s life in Africa, mostly the downs. It would not surprise you that, even though I am very talented, it is often very difficult finding a good manager or reliable record label in Africa. I had not found one until I signed with Barthson Global Communications (BGC) who have representation in the US, Cameroon and South Africa. At first I was a hustler doing all by myself, but now things are so much better as I have this whole professional set up working for me.

I am a fighter. I keep on surviving because I fight back and I go out there looking for the best opportunities. My musical inspiration is what motivates me, and my faith in God sustains my motivation. With faith in God, all things are possible. Please, don’t get me preaching now… (laughs).

CONNECT WITH DENZYL ON HIS BLOG

DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES OR DOWNLOAD ON AMAZON

Wanuri Kahiu takes first Kenyan Sci-Fi short to Sundance

Kenyan Filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu takes her sci-fi short Pumzi, the first ever Kenyan Sci-Fi to Sundance this year.

Pumzi “started off as a small script about what kind of world we would have to be if we had to buy fresh air,” writer/director Wanuri Kahiu told Wired.com in a Skype interview. The movie was made with grant money from Focus Features’ Africa First short film program, the Goethe Institut and the Changamoto arts fund. Pumzi will share the screen with two other films as part of Sundance’s New African Cinema program.

This special program presents three films that reflects a new wave of African cinema. South African filmmaker Jenna Bass draws from ancient mythological storytelling traditions to create a kind of historical magical realism in relating a modern-day tale of warfare in Zimbabwe in her film The Tunnel. Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu creates a brightly original science-fiction vision in her film Pumzi, a story of a botanist who risks everything to nurture a plant 35 years after the “Water War.” And Senegalese filmmaker Dyana Gaye draws from the fifties- and sixties-style French musicals to breathe fresh air into Saint Louis Blues, a buoyant road-trip tale set in the clogged urban streets and dusty roads of Senegal.

Idris Elba, Sophie Okonedo and Chiwetel Ejiofor make the 41st NAACP Image Award nominations

Pan African Film & Arts Festival Extends its Film Submission Deadline

The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), America’s largest and most prestigious Black film and arts festival, will stop accepting film submission for its 18th Annual signature event taking place February 10-15, 2010 in Los Angeles on November 15, 2009. The PAFF is currently accepting applications for films and videos made by and/or about people of African descent. Films should preferably depict positive and realistic images and can be of any genre – drama, comedy, horror, adventure, animation, romance, science fiction, experimental, etc. PAFF accepts features and shorts; narratives and documentaries as well as works in progress; however, films and videos must be completed no later than December 15, 2009. For the PAFF’s complete guidelines for film submissions, including application and fee information, please visit www.paff.org.

2009 MTV Africa Music Awards Review

The event which took place in Kenya drew some A-Listers including Akon who showed up dressed in an all-white ensemble looking suave.

The night kicked off with host Wyclef doing a tribute acappela to African nations and proceeded with performances that excited the crowd.

 Trevor Nelson who hosted last year was no match for Wyclef who took the event to new heights. He challenged Akon to a ‘power tussle’ to do 25 pushups on stage which they did. He also challenged Akon to join him in stripping to boxers. He strips to his black Armani boxers and Akon to his white Calvin Klein boxers keeping the audience entertained.

The event closed with 5 African countries taking all awards. Nigeria topped the charts this year still with 5 Awards, Kenya and South Africa both carried 3 each while Ghana and Congo Brazaville left with one each. Lucky Dube’s son emotionally received his late father’s Legend Award. The night closed with a tribute to Michael Jackson.

 

 

BEST FEMALE – Amani (Kenya)

BEST MALE – Nameless (Kenya)

BEST PERFORMER – Samini (Ghana)

BEST GROUP – P Square (Nigeria)

BEST ALTERNATIVE  - Zebra and Giraffe (South Africa)

BEST HIP HOP – M.I. (Nigeria)

BEST R&B – 2FACE (Nigeria)

ARTIST OF THE YEAR – D’Banj (Nigeria)

BEST NEW ACT – M.I. (Nigeria)

BEST VIDEO – HHP (South Africa)

LEGEND AWARD – Lucky Dube (South Africa)

MY VIDEO AWARD – Patricke-Stevie Moungondo (Congo Brazzaville)

LISTENERS CHOICE AWARD – Nameless (Kenya)