Organisers of the MTV Europe Music Award have stripped Nigerian pop act, Wizkid, the award for best African act, and handed over the award to Tanzanian singer, Alikiba.
An official statement from MTV EMA reads:
“MTV congratulates Alikiba who has won Best African Act at the 2016 MTV EMAs.
“The news was revealed November 10 after the incorrect results for Best African Act were posted late Sunday night November 6 due to an error.
“Six Worldwide Act winners, including Wizkid, were selected by an international committee of MTV executives to recognize current artists who are rising to have a wider Geographic appeal beyond their local region.
“The winners were chosen based off a range of criteria including international MTV video play, radio airplay, streams and sales across multiple territories and regions.
“The winner of Best African Act was selected by fans via votes on MTVEMA.com.”
An MTV spokesperson also commented “Both Wizkid and Alikiba are great artists and deserving winners at the MTV EMAS and we congratulate them wholeheartedly on their achievements.
“We apologise for any confusion we have caused but we are pleased to recognize the achievements of both these artists on this global platform.”
Alikiba has responded to the latest development.
“Thanks to MTV for this huge honour, it’s very exciting to be recognized at the MTV EMAs and I am delighted to bring home the award to my fans in Tanzania and East Africa. Thank you to my family and management.” He said.
The latest development could worsen the already tensed relationship between the pair who were recently involved in a fight at a Mombasa Rocks concert, headlined by American singer, Chris Brown, in Kenya over who would perform as the last act on stage.
