DJ Khaled will serve as the international host of the virtual MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) Kampala, which will air in 180 countries on Feb. 20.
The Grammy Award-winning DJ and record executive will “host the virtual awards ceremony from his glamorous home in Miami, Florida, alongside African co-emcees,” the ViacomCBS network said on Friday.
“MTV has always been a great partner so I jumped at the opportunity to host this year’s MAMAs,” DJ Khaled said. “I can’t wait to celebrate the incredible music that comes out of Africa, which has inspired me throughout my career.”
MTV is putting on the music celebration, which last took place in 2016, in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, which is why the event’s name includes the country’s capital Kampala. The return of the show comes amid an expansion of original content at ViacomCBS’ African networks.
“Africa is home to some of the world’s most dynamic talent, and we’re excited to spotlight these artists as the MAMAs broadcast in 180 countries for the first time in MTV history,” said Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming & events for ViacomCBS Media Networks. “With Grammy Award-winning powerhouse DJ Khaled at the helm, we’re certain this will be an incredible, must-see global event.”
Monde Twala, senior vp and general manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa, added: “With his global success achievement and over 22 million followers on social media, he will inspire youth across the continent and attract an even bigger international audience to the virtual event. We can’t wait to showcase the latest African musical stars and culture.”
DJ Khaled has made chart-topping hits featuring Jay-Z, Kanye West, Drake, Chris Brown, Ludacris, T.I., French Montana, Future, Big Sean, Rick Ross, John Legend, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, among others.
The MAMA Kampala event will celebrate African talent across 20 award categories, including best male, best female, best song, and best collaboration. New honors this year include ones for the Alone Together Best Lockdown Performance, Best Fan Base, and Personality of the Year, which will “recognize outstanding personalities that have been at the forefront of culture on the continent during the year and include non-music stars” from the worlds of sports, celebrity, and industry.
