Johannesburg; 18 February, Awards season is in full swing and ViacomCBS Networks Africa is proving to be a strong contender at the 14th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAS). The network scooped 6 nominations for the highest honour in South African television for its popular local productions on MTV Africa, MTV BASE Africa and BET Africa.
Commented Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Editorial for ViacomCBS Networks Africa “We are thrilled to be nominated across our brands for these prestigious accolades. This affirms our commitment to produce incredible local content that is engaging, representative and resonates socially and culturally with our viewers.”
Youth and entertainment channel MTV Africa lead the nomination list with Yo! MTV Raps in the category for Best International Format Show. A first for market, this new local show is based on the globally successful format and is hosted by versatile rapper Nadia Nakai and culture king Siyabonga “Scoop” Ngwekazi. Featuring local hip-hop culture with music at the core, Yo! MTV Raps profiles current industry heavyweights as well as emerging talent that are re-defining the hip-hop narrative.
The youth edutainment focused MTV Shuga, scored two nominations for best youth programme with “Down South Season 2” and “Down South in Real Life”. The second season of the drama series continues critical education for young people on the continent on how to tackle social and health issues related to HIV/AIDS, abortion, teenage pregnancy, contraceptives, gender-based violence and toxic masculinity.
In tune with black excellence BET Africa, scored 3 nominations. The Big Secret Season 2 is recognised in the Best Structured Reality Show category. The gripping series hosted by seasoned presenter, Masechaba Ndlovu, centres around empowering ordinary South Africans to confront their darkest secrets – with assistance from an experienced host. Together they make the shocking big reveal to the participant’s families and loved ones.
BET Africa’s talent is equally well represented in the Best TV Presenter category with The Big Secret’s Masechaba Ndlovu and host for 2 Families and a Wedding Dress, Thembisa Mdoda, both securing individual nominations in this popular category.
This year, the power to decide who wins will remain with the South African audience through the use of the public vote. To vote in the Best TV Presenter category, viewers will need to dial *120*45884# and follow the prompts on their screens.
The 14th SAFTAS will be hosted at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre over two-nights: the Craft Awards on Friday, 27 March and the Main Awards on Saturday, 28 March – which will be broadcast live on television.
Add comment