Uganda: 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards postponed

The awards ceremony, which was being organised through a partnership between MTV Base and Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, was scheduled to take place on 20 February, with performances from leading African and international artists.

“MTV Base is postponing the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards,” MTV Base Africa wrote on Twitter. “We will keep fans updated as we have more news.”

MTV Base Africa did not give reasons for the decision but media reports suggest that the MAMAs were cancelled due to political tension in the country as well as online campaigns over allegations of human rights abuses by the Ugandan government.

Ugandan musician-turned-politician and opposition leader Bobi Wine held a news conference following MTV Base’s decision. ”It was painful to see that MTV was being used to sanitise the oppressive regime here in Uganda,” he said. “I am glad MTV is also seeing it and acting in respect of all the rights of artists. It would be such a shame for the MTV Music Awards to be held in Uganda under gunpoint.”

It is still unclear if the MAMAs will still be held in Kampala following mounting pressure from the international community regarding Uganda’s disputed presidential elections, which saw long-time leader Yoweri Museveni declared as the winner for a record sixth term.

According to multiple reports, the lead-up to the 14 January polls was characterised by human rights abuses and violence that left more than 50 people dead. The EU and US have called for a probe into the deaths. Bobi Wine, who has been under de facto house arrest for weeks, was denied access to medical care and legal assistance for allegedly violating COVID-19 guidelines that require presidential candidates to hold rallies of less than 200 people. 

“Yes, for standing and defeating general Museveni in an election, which he resoundingly rigged, I am still under house arrest eight days later,” Bobi Wine said in a 21 January tweet. “I thank all friends in Uganda and abroad who continue to stand with us, until we put an end to this indignity. Uganda will be free.”

MAMAs voting is ongoing and the public can vote via the awards’ official website. View the full list of nominees here. 

Video courtesy of Sky News.