MTV announced nominations for the “2021 MTV EMAs” with Africa’s biggest acts from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania securing nominations. Amapiano is globally recognised through artists such as South African “Ke Star” hitmaker Focalistic who bagged a nomination in the Best African Act category. Ghanaian Songstress Amaarae of “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” fame has also clinched a nomination in the category. Nigerian superstars Wizkid and songstress Tems who both collaborated on the global hit “Essence” have each been nominated. Rounding up the list of African nominees is African superstar Diamond Platnumz of Tanzania. Voting is now open at mtvema.com until November 10th at 11:59pm CET, so fans can cast votes for their favourite African Act beginning today. The “2021 MTV EMAs” will premiere exclusively on MTV Africa ( DStv Channel 130) & MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322) on Sunday November 14 21:00 CAT (Pre-Show) and 22:00 CAT (Main Show).
African nominee Focalistic said, "To be nominated as the Best African Act at the 2021 MTV EMA's means a lot to me. Taking my music to the world means that Amapiano is taking over and this a big stride for the genre and South African music. Let us make more noise and make sure we vote and bring this one home."
"I am so happy and proud to be nominated at the 2021 MTV EMA's, it means a lot to me, my generation, the Swahili nation and the whole of Africa, I truly appreciate it," commented Diamond Platnumz. Globally Justin Bieber is the frontrunner securing eight nominations. Bieber’s nods include “Best Artist,” “Best Pop,” two “Best Song” noms for his global hits “Peaches” featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon and “STAY” with The Kid LAROI, “Best Video” for “Peaches,” “Best Collaboration” alongside The Kid LAROI and “Biggest Fans.” Doja Cat and Lil Nas X follow Bieber with six nods each, both across “Best Song,” “Best Video” and “Best Collaboration.” British global superstar Ed Sheeran and EMA newcomers Olivia Rodrigo and The Kid LAROI follow closely with five nominations each, including “Best Pop” and “Best Song” for Sheeran and Rodrigo. The above artists’ nominations also include “Best Local Act” for each of their respective home countries. The “2021 MTV EMAs” will take place at the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna in Hungary, and broadcast live on MTV channels in 180 countries and will air locally on MTV Africa ( DStv Channel 130) & MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322) on Sunday, 14 November at 21:00 CAT (Pre-Show) and 22:00 CAT (Main Show). Voting is now open at mtvema.com until November 10th at 11:59pm CET, so fans can cast votes beginning today. COMPLETE LIST – 2021 MTV EMA NOMINEES Best African Act Amaarae Diamond Platnumz Focalistic Tems Wizkid Best Artist Doja Cat Ed Sheeran Justin Bieber Lady Gaga Lil Nas X The Weeknd Best Pop BTS Doja Cat Dua Lipa Ed Sheeran Justin Bieber Olivia Rodrigo Best Song Doja Cat ft. SZA - Kiss Me More Ed Sheeran - Bad Habits Justin Bieber - Peaches ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber – STAY Best Video Doja Cat ft. SZA - Kiss Me More Ed Sheeran - Bad Habits Justin Bieber - Peaches ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) Normani ft. Cardi B - Wild Side Taylor Swift – willow Best Collaboration Black Eyed Peas, Shakira - GIRL LIKE ME Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic - Leave the Door Open Doja Cat ft. SZA - Kiss Me More Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow - INDUSTRY BABY The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber – STAY The Weeknd & Ariana Grande - Save Your Tears (Remix) Best New Giveon Griff Olivia Rodrigo Rauw Alejandro Saweetie The Kid LAROI Best Electronic Calvin Harris David Guetta Joel Corry Marshmello Skrillex Swedish House Mafia Best Rock Coldplay Foo Fighters Imagine Dragons Kings Of Leon Måneskin The Killers Best Alternative Halsey Lorde Machine Gun Kelly Twenty One Pilots WILLOW YUNGBLUD Best Latin Bad Bunny J. Balvin Maluma Rauw Alejandro Rosalía Shakira Best Hip Hop Cardi B DJ Khaled Drake Kanye West Megan Thee Stallion Nicki Minaj Best K-Pop BTS LISA Monsta X NCT 127 ROSÉ TWICE
Best Group BTS Imagine Dragons Jonas Brothers Little Mix Måneskin Silk Sonic Best Push 24KGoldn Fousheé girl in red Griff JC Stewart JXDN Latto Madison Beer Olivia Rodrigo Remi Wolf SAINt JHN The Kid LAROI Biggest Fans Ariana Grande BLACKPINK BTS Justin Bieber Lady Gaga Taylor Swift Video for Good Billie Eilish - Your Power Demi Lovato - Dancing With The Devil girl in red – Serotonin H.E.R. - Fight For You Harry Styles - Treat People With Kindness Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) Best US Act (BEST LOCAL ACT*) Ariana Grande Doja Cat Lil Nas X Olivia Rodrigo Taylor Swift
