Johannesburg, 06 October 2020 – MTV today announced nominations for the “2020 MTV EMAs” with Africa’s biggest acts from South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, and the DRC securing nominations. After a whirlwind year, “Jerusalema” hitmaker and South African superstar Master KG is finally getting global recognition alongside “Scorpion Kings” Kabza de Small and Maphorisa who have all been nominated in the Best African Act category. Nigeria’s Burna Boy, who recently released his landmark album “Twice as Tall”, and rising Afrobeats star Rema is also nominated in the category. Rounding up the list of African nominees is Uganda’s songstress Sheebah and Gaz Mawete from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The “2020 MTV EMAs” will premiere exclusively on MTV (DStv Channel 130) & MTV Base (DStv channel 322) at 20:00 WAT/21:00CAT (Pre-show TBC) & 21:00 WAT/22:00CAT (Main-show) respectively on November 8^th.

Globally Lady Gaga is in the lead with seven nods, including “Best Artist,” “Best Pop,” and “Best Video” for her duet with Ariana Grande, “Rain On Me,” which also secured a position in the “Best Song” and “Best Collaboration” categories. BTS and Justin Bieber each received five nods, within categories including “Biggest Fans” and “Best Pop.”

Marking the 27th edition of one of the biggest nights in global music, the “2020 MTV EMAs” will unite fans at home with the world’s hottest names in music. Details on performers and presenters will be announced soon.

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ViacomCBS Networks Africa commented, “The 2020 MTV EMAs is one of the biggest entertainment stages in the world and this year’s African nominees are undoubtedly making their presence felt globally. This affirms our commitment to ensuring that we continue to celebrate our diverse talent on international platforms. Congratulations to all our African nominees on this achievement.”

Global star Burna Boy commenting on his nomination added, “A big thank you to my MTV family for nominating me again for this award and to my fans all over the world for listening to and supporting my music.”

Master KG who took the world by storm with his hit, Jerusalema, concluded, “Thank you so much MTV for this nomination in the Best African Act category at the EMAs. I”m so excited right now. This is a life changing moment for me.”

The two-hour “2020 MTV EMAs” will air globally on MTV in 180 countries and territories on Sunday, November 8, 2020. Fans can begin to cast their votes today, as voting is now open at mtvema.com. Be sure to tune into the “2020 MTV EMAs” on MTV (DStv Channel 130) & MTV Base (DStv channel 322) at 20:00 WAT/21:00CAT (Pre-show TBC) & 21:00 WAT/22:00CAT (Main-show) respectively on November 8^th.

COMPLETE LIST – 2020 MTV EMA NOMINEES
Best African Act
Burna Boy(Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Master KG (South Africa)
Kabza de Small and Maphorisa (South Africa)
Sheebah (Uganda)
Gaz Mawete (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Best Video
Billie Eilish – everything i wanted
Cardi B – WAP ft Megan Thee Stallion
DJ Khaled – POPSTAR ft Drake
Karol G – Tusa ft Nicki Minaj
Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande – Rain On Me
Taylor Swift – The Man
The Weeknd – Blinding Lights

Best Artist
Dua Lipa
Harry Styles
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga
Miley Cyrus
The Weeknd

Best Song
BTS – Dynamite
DaBaby – Rockstar ft Roddy Ricch
Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now
Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande – Rain On Me
Roddy Ricch – The Box
The Weeknd – Blinding Lights

Best Collaboration
BLACKPINK, Selena Gomez – Ice Cream
Cardi B – WAP ft Megan Thee Stallion
DaBaby – Rockstar ft. Roddy Ricch
Justin Bieber – Intentions ft Quavo
Karol G – Tusa ft Nicki Minaj
Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande – Rain On Me
Sam Smith, Demi Lovato – I’m Ready

Best Pop
BTS
Dua Lipa
Harry Styles
Justin Bieber
Katy Perry
Lady Gaga
Little Mix

Best Group
5 Seconds of Summer
BLACKPINK
BTS
Chloe x Halle
CNCO
Little Mix

Best New
BENEE
DaBaby
Doja Cat
Jack Harlow
Roddy Ricch
YUNGBLUD

Biggest Fans
Ariana Grande
BLACKPINK
BTS
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift

Best Latin
Anuel AA
Bad Bunny
J Balvin
Karol G
Maluma
Ozuna

Best Rock
Coldplay
Green Day
Liam Gallagher
Pearl Jam
Tame Impala
The Killers

Best Hip Hop
Cardi B
DaBaby
Drake
Eminem
Megan Thee Stallion
Roddy Ricch
Travis Scott

Best Electronic
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Kygo
Marshmello
Martin Garrix
The Chainsmokers

Best Alternative
blackbear
FKA twigs
Hayley Williams
Machine Gun Kelly
The 1975
twenty one pilots

Video for Good  
Anderson .Paak – Lockdown
David Guetta & Sia – Let’s love
Demi Lovato – I Love Me
H.E.R. – I Can’t Breathe
Jorja Smith – By Any Means
Lil Baby – The Bigger Picture

Best Push
AJ Mitchell
Ashnikko
BENEE
Brockhampton
Conan Gray
Doja Cat
Georgia
Jack Harlow
Lil Tecca
Tate McRae
Wallows
YUNGBLUD

Best Virtual Live
BTS – Map Of The Soul Concert Live Stream
J Balvin – Behind The Colores Live Experience
Katy Perry @ Tomorrow Land – Around The World
Little Mix – UNCancelled
Maluma – Papi Juancho Live
Post Malone – Nirvana Tribute

Best African Act
Burna Boy(Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Master KG (South Africa)
Kabza de Small and Maphorisa (South Africa)
Sheeba (Uganda)
Gaz Mawete (Democratic Republic of Congo)