“I would like to thank God for this precious talent. It’s been a fantastic year for me,” the runner, who has been dogged by questions around her gender, said.
The Saturday night ceremony was originally set to be hosted by South African comedian and US television star Trevor Noah, but he called in sick so South African TV personality Bonang Matheba stepped in.
South Africa’s jazz icon and Grammy award winner Hugh Masekela won the legend of the year award, and briefly rapped as he accepted his prize.
For a second consecutive year, Nigerian artist Yemi Alade walked away with the best female award trophy while Kenyan Afro-pop band Sauti Sol took the best group award.
Alex Okosi, senior vice president of Viacom International Media Networks Africa, which runs the MTV Awards said Saturday’s awards “brought the continent together, showcasing the amazing creativity and talent that Africa has to offer.”
A recent study has found growing demand for homegrown contemporary music across Africa, which is driving a creative boom in an industry otherwise battered by falling CD sales and rampant piracy.
The MTV Africa music awards were first staged in 2008 and have each year recognised iconic musicians from across the continent.
Here is the full list of winners.
The MTV Africa Music Awards Full List of 2016 Winners
Artist of the Year: Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Female: Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Male: Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Group: Sauti Sol (Kenya)
Best Breakthrough Act: Tekno (Nigeria)
Best Live Act: Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
Best Hip Hop in association with MTN: Emtee (South Africa)
Song of the Year in partnership with Google: “My Woman, My Everything” Patoranking feat. Wande Coal (Nigeria)
Listener’s Choice: Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
Video of the Year: “Niquer Ma Vie” – Youssoupha (Congo) – Director: Antony Abdelli & Jose Eon
Best Pop & Alternative: Shekinah & Kyle Deutsch (South Africa)
Best Francophone: Serge Beynaud (Ivory Coast)
Best Lusophone: C4 Pedro (Angola)
Personality of the Year in association with DSTV: Caster Semenya (South Africa)
Legend Award: Hugh Masekela
Best Collaboration in partnership with ABSOLUT: DJ Maphorisa feat. Wizkid & DJ Buckz – “Soweto Baby” (South Africa/Nigeria)
Africa Reimagined: Vivian Onano and Mary Taedzerwa
Best International: Drake (USA)
