African musicians nominated for 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards

Amaarae (Ghana), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Focalistic (South Africa), Tems (Nigeria) and Wizkid (Nigeria) bagged nominations in the Best African Act category.

Globally, Justin Bieber is the frontrunner with eight nominations followed by Doja Cat and Lil Nas X with six nods each. British superstar Ed Sheeran and EMA newcomers Olivia Rodrigo and The Kid Laroi follow closely with five nominations apiece.

“I am so happy and proud to be nominated at the 2021 MTV EMA's, it means a lot to me, my generation, the Swahili nation and the whole of Africa, I truly appreciate it,” Diamond Platnumz said.

Focalistic said: “To be nominated as the Best African Act at the 2021 MTV EMA's means a lot to me. Taking my music to the world means that amapiano is taking over and this is a big stride for the genre and South African music. Let us make more noise and make sure we vote and bring this one home.”

ViacomCBS Networks Africa senior vice-president and general manager Monde Twala said: “The 2021 MTV EMAs is one of the biggest entertainment stages in the world and we are excited to see African stars shine and make their presence felt globally. Congratulations to all of our African nominees for their incredible achievements. We are proud to witness such great diversity of African talent, music and culture. This is an amazing showcase of their artistry to the world.”

Vote for the 2020 MTV EMAs nominees here before 10 November. The awards ceremony will premiere on MTV Africa (DStv channel 130) and MTV Base (DStv channel 322) on 14 November at 9pm CAT (pre-show) and 10pm CAT (main show).

Below is the full list of nominees:

Best African Act

• Amaarae
• Diamond Platnumz
• Focalistic
• Tems
• Wizkid

Best Artist

• Doja Cat
• Ed Sheeran
• Justin Bieber
• Lady Gaga
• Lil Nas X
• The Weeknd

Best Pop

• BTS
• Doja Cat
• Dua Lipa
• Ed Sheeran
• Justin Bieber
• Olivia Rodrigo

Best Song

• ‘Kiss Me More’ – Doja Cat ft. SZA
• ‘Bad Habits’ – Ed Sheeran
• ‘Peaches’ – Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon
• ‘MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)’ – Lil Nas X
• ‘Driver’s License’ – Olivia Rodrigo
• ‘STAY’ – The Kid Laroi, Justin Bieber

Best Video

• ‘Kiss Me More’ – Doja Cat ft. SZA
• ‘Bad Habits’ – Ed Sheeran
• ‘Peaches’ – Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon
• ‘MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)’ – Lil Nas X
• ‘Wild Side’ – Normani ft. Cardi B
• ‘Willow’ – Taylor Swift  

Best Collaboration

• Black Eyed Peas, Shakira – ‘GIRL LIKE ME’
• Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – ‘Leave the Door Open’
• Doja Cat ft. SZA – ‘Kiss Me More’
• Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – ‘INDUSTRY BABY’
• The Kid Laroi, Justin Bieber – ‘STAY’
• The Weeknd & Ariana Grande – ‘Save Your Tears (Remix)’

Best New

• Giveon
• Griff
• Olivia Rodrigo
• Rauw Alejandro
• Saweetie
• The Kid Laroi

Best Electronic

• Calvin Harris
• David Guetta
• Joel Corry
• Marshmello
• Skrillex
• Swedish House Mafia

Best Rock

• Coldplay
• Foo Fighters
• Imagine Dragons
• Kings Of Leon
• Måneskin
• The Killers

Best Alternative

• Halsey
• Lorde
• Machine Gun Kelly
• Twenty-One Pilots
• WILLOW
• YUNGBLUD

Best Latin

• Bad Bunny
• J. Balvin
• Maluma
• Rauw Alejandro
• Rosalía
• Shakira

Best Hip Hop

• Cardi B
• DJ Khaled
• Drake
• Kanye West
• Megan Thee Stallion
• Nicki Minaj

Best K-Pop

• BTS
• LISA
• Monsta X
• NCT 127
• ROSÉ
• TWICE

Best Group

• BTS
• Imagine Dragons
• Jonas Brothers
• Little Mix
• Måneskin
• Silk Sonic

Best Push

• 24KGoldn
• Fousheé
• girl in red
• Griff
• JC Stewart
• JXDN
• Latto
• Madison Beer
• Olivia Rodrigo
• Remi Wolf
• SAINt JHN
• The Kid Laroi

Biggest Fans

• Ariana Grande
• BLACKPINK
• BTS
• Justin Bieber
• Lady Gaga
• Taylor Swift

Video for Good

• ‘Your Power’ – Billie Eilish 
• ‘Dancing With The Devil’ – Demi Lovato
• ‘Serotonin’ – girl in red
• ‘Fight For You’ – H.E.R.
• ‘Treat People With Kindness’ – Harry Styles
• ‘MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)’ – Lil Nas X

Best US Act (Best Local Act)

• Ariana Grande
• Doja Cat
• Lil Nas X
• Olivia Rodrigo
• Taylor Swift