Durban/Johannesburg/Lagos, 23 May 2014: MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) has revealed that multi-talented US actor, producer, stand-up comedian, writer and film director Marlon Wayans will be the official host for the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards.
Taking place at the ICC, Durban on 7 June, The MTV Africa Music Awards is brought to you by KwaZulu-Natal Province in association with Absolut and The City of Durban. South Africa Tourism is also a partner to the MAMA.
Marlon Wayans first found fame with the TV show “In Living Color”, the highly acclaimed sketch comedy show that helped launch the careers of such future stars as Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx. He also co-starred in the comedy sitcom “The Wayans Bros”, a largely autobiographical show based on the brothers’ real relationship and personalities.
As a stand-up comedian, Wayans continues to sell out venuesacross the US. Recently, Wayans’ comedy took a new turn with the launch of his first online venture, “What The Funny” with internet serial entrepreneur and Funny Or Die co-founder Randy Adams. “What The Funny” serves up urban comedy from established and emerging comedians, writers and actors through its web site at WhatTheFunny.com.
As an actor, Wayan’s movie outings have grossed more than $736-million at the US box office. Wayans is commonly recognized for his role as “Marcus Copeland” in the 2004 hit comedy WHITE CHICKS, opposite Shawn Wayans, Jamie King and Terry Crews. Wayans also starred alongside Shawn Wayans and Regina Hall in the successful spoof horror franchise SCARY MOVIE and SCARY MOVIE 2.
Wayans’ additional film credits include Columbia Pictures’ comedy MO’ MONEY; New Line Cinema’s drama ABOVE THE RIM; Miramax’s parody film DON’T BE A MENACE TO SOUTH CENTRAL WHILE DRINKING YOUR JUICE IN THE HOOD; Touchstone Pictures’ THE SIXTH MAN; Miramax’s SENSELESS; DUNGEONS & DRAGONS; Darren Aronofsky’s hit drama REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, opposite Jared Leto and Jennifer Connolly; The Coen Brothers’ THE LADYKILLERS, opposite Tom Hanks; BEHIND THE SMILE; Columbia Pictures’ LITTLE MAN; DreamWorks’ NORBIT, opposite Eddie Murphy; Paramount Pictures and MTV’s parody film DANCE FLICK; Paramount’s G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA, opposite Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid and Joseph Gordon-Levitt; 20th Century Fox’s MARMADUKE; and the hit comedy THE HEAT, opposite Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy.
Wayans follows in the illustrious footsteps of previous hostssuch as Wyclef Jean and Eve, who have hosted earlier MAMA events.
Commented Alex Okosi, SVP & MD, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, “Marlon Wayans is a hugely popular entertainment figure known and loved by African audiences from “The Wayans Brothers” and his various movie roles. His irreverent humour and infectious energy will definitely make him a great host for the 2014 MAMA.”
Celebrating musicians and achievers who have made the most impact on African youth culture throughout the year, MAMA 2014 will, for the first time ever, premiere LIVE across Africa on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130) at 21:00 CAT. The show will also air tape-delayed across BET’s international footprint. A one-hour MTV World Stage special will also air around the world.
The 2014 MAMA is set to feature stunning performances from African and international artists, including the awards’signature collaborations between artists of different genres and cultures – a high point of every show. The stunning line-up for MAMA 2014 includes R&B superstar Miguel, hip hop game changer French Montana, Nigerian sensations Davido, Flavour and Tiwa Savage and South African hit makers Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Oskido and Professor. Many more artists are due to be announced next week.
Nominees from the length and breadth of sub-Saharan Africa are represented in the nominations for this year’s music categories, including 2Face, AKA, Amani, Amr Singh, Anselmo Ralph, Arielle T, Beatenberg, Big Nuz, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Clarence Peters, Danny K, Davido, Diamond, DJ Buckz, DJ Clock, DJ C’ndo, DJ Ganyani, DJ Kent, The Arrows, Donald, Don Jazzy, Dr Malinga, Dr Sid, Efya, Espoir 2000, Fally Ipupa, FB, Ferre Gola, Flavour, Fuse ODG, Gangs of Ballet, Goldfish, Heavy K, Ice Prince, JD, KCEE, Khuli Chana, Kyle Lewis, LCNVL, Lizha James, Mafikizolo, Matthew Mole, May D, Mi Casa, Michael Lowman, Nakhane Toure, Nelson Freitas, Olamide, Oskido, P Square, Professor, The Parlotones, Phyno, Radio and Weasel, R2bees, Sarkodie, Sauti Sol, Shortstraw, Stanley Enow, Tiwa Savage, Toofan, Uhuru, Wizkid, Youssoupha, Yuri Da Cunha and Zakes Bantwini.
In this year’s newly introduced lifestyle award categories, Chimamanda Adiche, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Trevor Noah, Lupita Nyong’o and Yaya Toure are nominated for Personality of the Year. Clarence Peters, Leti Arts, Rasty and Anisa Mpungwe are nominated in Transform Today by Absolut.
With hundreds of thousands of votes already cast, public voting for 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards continuesonlineat www.mtvbase.com until midnight on 4 June 2014. The winners of the MTV Base Leadership Award and Best Video are chosen exclusively by MTV Base. Voting for Song of the Year continues up until the show on 7 June.
Tickets for the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal are on sale at www.computicket.com, on 0861 915 8000 and at Computicket retail outlets. Seated tickets cost R450 (incl. VAT) while general access (standing) tickets are R200 (incl. VAT).
For more information on the MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal supported by Absolut & The City of Durban, please go www.mtvbase.com, like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MTVBaseVerified, or follow us on Twitter @MTVBaseAfrica. To join the conversation about the awards please use the hashtag #MTVMAMA.
