MTV EMAs 2018… Tiwa wins for Africa

Just when the dust she raised with her Fever video featuring Wizkid was beginning to settle, Tiwa Sagave returned to spotlight once again, winning the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMAs) in the Best African Act category.

The African act category was infused into the MTV EMA to enhance musical alliances across borders, and promote cultural integrations.

Held at the expansive Bilbao Exhibition Center, Bilbao, Spain, amidst glitz and glamour, Tiwa beat other nominees, including David Adeleke, aka Davido; South Africa’s Destruction Boyz and Shekinah; Kenya’s Nyashinski and Fally Ipupa from the DRC to win the award.

Speaking after receiving her award, the singer, who is now the first African female to win this category, attributed her victory to the massive support of fans.

“I’m just a girl from Nigeria living my dreams. I’m so thankful to everyone that’s supported my journey so far, especially my fans. Thank you MTV!”

However, this is not Tiwa’s first time on MTV’s stage, as the Kelekele Love singer had won the Best Female Act at the African version of the reward scheme, the MTV Africa Music Award (MAMA) in 2014.

It would be recalled that the singer, in June this year, lost to Davido, in the Best International Act category of the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards.

The 2018 MTV EMAs opened with fierce females ruling the night. Nicki Minaj and Little Mix joined forces for an empowering performance of their collaboration Woman Like Me. Just before being joined on stage, Minaj shook the house with her new song Good Form.

Global Icon Award honoree Janet Jackson delivered a blazing performance of hits over her legendary 40-year career.

The stunning performance spanned four stages and included African drummers, flame torches, fire breathers, more than 20 dancers and an elevated stage surrounded by flames.

MTV recognised artistes from around the globe with Worldwide Act awards and Best Local Act awards for multiple regions including Germany, Spain, Japan and Africa.

Throughout the star-studded global music celebration, Camila Cabello took home four EMA awards including Best Artist, Best Song and Best Artiste.

Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International, Alex Okosi, said, “The MTV EMAs are always a proud moment for the continent.

The Africa Act category is indicative of our commitment to elevate and showcase Africa’s collective talent and potential on a global scale. We are so proud of Tiwa.

She is truly deserving of this award, which is an affirmation of how consistent commitment and hard work leads to success. I also want to congratulate all the African nominees who continue to inspire and uplift our continent.

This year’s show also awarded the first-ever MTV EMA Generation Change Award” to elevate and empower the fearless, original young people who are changing the world.  MTV awarded five change makers from around the globe, all under the age of 26, during the red carpet pre-show. 

The winners are among a generation of young people who are tackling the world’s toughest problems – including fighting for environmental protection, refugee rights, ending child marriage, mental health support and LGBTQ+ equality — through music, storytelling and digital media.

Nigeria’s 26-year-old Hauwa Ojeifo – a bold change maker, who founded a movement of love, hope and support to give mental health a voice in her home country, Nigeria – was announced a joint winner of the first-ever MTV EMA Generation Change Award.

This category was founded to elevate and empower the fearless, original young people who are changing the world.

She jointly won together with four nominees including Xiuhtezcatl “X” Martinez (USA), Ellen Jones (UK), Mohamad Aljounde (Lebanon) and Sonita Alizadeh (Afghanistan). 

“We are equally honored to announce Hauwa Ojeifo as joint MTV EMA Generation Change Award winner, she is testament to the powerful contribution of our youth for impactful change,” concluded Okosi.

Other highlights include Hailee Steinfeld officially kicking off the show with an EMA award art heist, followed by Panic! At The Disco’s Brendon Urie scaling Bilbao Exhibition Centre’s exterior before crashing through the ceiling to perform “High Hopes.”

Modern Flamenco-inspired sensation and Spain native Rosalía, one of the most buzzed-about acts of the night, rolled on stage in a gigantic truck before rocking the entire house with “Malamente” alongside 24 dancers.

Throughout the night, Steinfeld commanded the stage with her captivating hosting skills, and for her performance, she gave a nod to her upcoming film Bumblebee by performing soundtrack number “Back to Life” from inside a yellow human vehicle, artistically created with more than 20 bodies.

Jason Derulo sang an operatic rendition of Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye” before flowing into his collaboration track “Goodbye” with David Guetta and Nicki Minaj, both of whom joined him on stage.

Alessia Cara gave a colorful performance for “Trust Me Lonely” against a backdrop of different settings.

To close out the show, Marshmello kept the energy booming alongside Anne-Marie for their platinum-certified track FRIENDS, followed by Bastille for Happier. Five giant inflatable Marshmello heads and hundreds of smaller Marshmello balls took over the venue as the grand finale.