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Just a few hours before the MTV Africa Music Awards (Mamas) kicked off last night, the media got an exclusive glimpse of things to come when a line-up of superstars paraded before the cameras on Friday to whet the public’s appetite.
Twitter went viral in praise of the artists, with the popular hashtag BlackGirlMagic – a term coined in 2013 to celebrate the power, beauty and resilience of black women – being used in reference to TV and radio personality Bonang Matheba, who stepped in for comedian Trevor Noah to co-host the event with actress Nomzamo Mbatha and Nigerian singer Yemi Alade.
The ladies looked stunning and were raring to go and get the show started.
A radiant Matheba said she was thrilled about the gig, having been roped in at the eleventh hour after Noah was forced to cancel, citing an “upper respiratory and ear infection” which prevented him from flying over, and doctors’ orders to rest.
The country and the rest of the continent had been looking forward to seeing South Africa’s internationally acclaimed comedian do his MC thing.
Noah gave his blessing to the three hosts on Twitter, saying: “I wish I was there with you.”
He apologised to his fans for being unable to attend, but assured them he would make it up to them.
Dressed in an off-the-shoulder black jumpsuit, Matheba could not contain her excitement at the press conference.
“I am so excited – and terrified,” she said.
Spotted at the presser were DJ Maphorisa, Nigerian rapper Wizkid, and Ghanaian hip-hop artist Sarkodie.
Kwaito legend Mdu Masilela, AKA “Mkhulu bae”, also graced the event, along with DJ Cleo. City Press heard whispers that the late kwaito star Mandoza would be honoured at the event.
