Shatta Wale and Wizkid up for MOBO Awards

Initially awarded to artists based in the west, the MOBO awards added the Best African Act category in 2005 when it celebrated its ten year anniversary. That year, Senegalese maestro Youssou N’Dour won the category. Since then winners have included Ghana’s Batman Samini, Nigeria’s 2face and Nneka. Somalia’s K’Naan won the category in 2010.

After winning in 2011, Wizkid is again nominated for the category this year. He will be facing competition from rival and compatriot Davido. Other Nigerian artists nominated include dancehall act Patoranking and MTV Africa Music Award Best Female Yemi Alade.

Ghana’s Shatta Wale also scored a nomination. Before the awards proper, the dancehall will be performing at the International Reggae and World Music Awards in California in October. He took to social media to express his gratitude. “Big up @moboaward thank you for the nomination. UK see you soon, one love,” he tweeted.

South African rapper AKA and Shatta Wale’s countryman Fuse ODG are also in contention. Silvastone, Moelogo and Mista Silva make up the list.

British-born Nigerian singer Olaedo Ibe is nominated in the Best Gospel category. As is Skepta, English rapper of Nigerian descent and Wizkid’s collaborator on the Ojuelegba remix. Skepta receives a nomination in the Best Male Act, Best Grime Act and Best Song categories.

Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on 4 November, holding in the UK at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.

For full list of nominees visit the MOBO website.