MTV EMAs 2020: Burna Boy, Rema, Others Compete for Best African Act

Nominees for this year’s edition of MTV Europe Music Awards have been announced, and six artists across the continent will be vying for Best African Act. Nigerian singers Burna Boy and newcomer Rema face stiff competition from South Africa’s Master KG, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, Uganda’s Sheebah and Gaz Mawete from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Last year, Burna Boy clinched the award, joining a list of Nigerian artists who have won the coveted international prize, including 2Baba, D’Banj, Davido and Tiwa Savage. Burna Boy could very well repeat that feat this year, with his ‘Twice As Tall’ album garnering critical acclaim and songs from last year’s ‘African Giant’ still reaping accolades.

 First-time nominee Rema is part of a new crop of young, fresh Afropop singers and rappers in Nigeria. He is riding on the wave of a very successful year that saw the release of his ‘Rema Compilation’ EP and hit singles ‘Woman,’ ‘Dumebi’ and Ginger Me.’

On the global scene, Lady Gaga leads this year’s nominations with a whopping seven nods, including in categories such as Best Artist, Best Pop and Best Video for her collaboration with Ariana Grande on ‘Rain On Me’. It completes a fantastic comeback to music and her dance-pop roots for the ‘Stupid Love’ singer.

Kpop group BTS and Canadian popstar Justin Bieber follow with five nods each this year. The Korean band are nominated for Best Pop, Best Group, Biggest Fans and Best Virtual live. Their number 1 hit ‘Dynamite’ was nominated for Best Song, becoming the first ever Kpop act to be nominated in that category.

 Bieber’s nominations include Best Pop, Biggest Fans and Best Artist where he’ll battle it out against Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus and The Weeknd.

Cardi B, DaBaby, Drake, Eminem, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch and Travis Scott were all nominated for the Best Hip Hop Act.

This year’s EMA Awards air globally on MTV, on November 8, with fans able to cast their votes until November 2.

Rita Osakewe

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