Wizkid takes top honours at MAMAs

The 26-year-old also stole the show with an epic performance towards the end of the night, sharing the stage with his collaboration partners and the Soweto Gospel Choir (see video below).

The MAMAs is the biggest night in African music and brought together the hottest names in the industry. American rapper Future headlined the event, which also featured performances by South African dance floor queen Babes Wodumo and Nigerian sensations Yemi Alade and Patoranking.The show is broadcast to 30 million viewers across 20 countries. 

The most moving moment of the night was a tribute to late South African kwaito legend Mandoza, who died in September after a long battle with cancer. Fellow kwaito legend Mdu and DJ Cleo took part in the homage. The two brought the house down with Mandoza's most famous hit, Nkalakatha. Proceeds of the performance will go to the family, Mdu told journalists ahead of the event at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg. 

"We have to take care of her (Mandoza's wife) and her kids. We want to see them go to varsity," Mdu said. 

Other entertainment highlights on Saturday night included a performance by Alade and Kenyan Afropop group Sauti Sol, with a pared-down rendition of their song Africa.  

It was the first time that Johannesburg hosted the MAMAs after a long run in South African coastal city Durban. The event was not without drama. A day before going live, comedian Trevor Noah withdrew as host due to illness. He was replaced by South African TV personality Bonang Matheba, actress Nomzamo Mbatha and Alade. 

Here is a full list of the winners: 

• Artist of the Year: Wizkid (Nigeria)
• Best Female: Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
• Best Male: Wizkid (Nigeria)
• Best Group: Sauti Sol (Kenya)
• Best Breakthrough Act: Tekno (Nigeria)
• Best Live Act:  Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
• Best Hip Hop in association with MTN: Emtee (South Africa)
• Song of the Year in partnership with Google: “My Woman, My Everything” Patoranking feat. Wande Coal (Nigeria)
• Listener’s Choice: Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
• Video of the Year:  “Niquer Ma Vie” - Youssoupha (Congo) - Director: Antony Abdelli & Jose Eon
• Best Pop & Alternative: Shekhinah & Kyle Deutsch (South Africa)
• Best Francophone: Serge Beynaud (Ivory Coast)
• Best Lusophone: C4 Pedro (Angola)
• Personality of the Year in association with DSTV:  Caster Semenya (South Africa)
• Legend Award: Hugh Masekela
• Best Collaboration in partnership with ABSOLUT: DJ Maphorisa feat. Wizkid & DJ Buckz - "Soweto Baby" (South Africa/Nigeria) 
• Africa Reimagined: Vivian Onano and Mary Taedzerwa
• Best International: Drake (USA)