Bonang Matheba replaces Trevor Noah as MAMA host

The announcement was made today by music channel MTV Base (DStv channel 322) when Trevor Noah, who was supposed to host the show, was forced to withdraw due to illness.

Noah, a South African comedian, television and radio host and actor, shared the news on Twitter with his 4.95 million followers. “So sorry everyone, please read below, far too much to tweet,” wrote Noah, attaching a note mentioning "a severe upper respiratory and ear infection."

Bonang, also a business woman, expressed excitement via Twitter to her 1.73 million followers. She wrote, “Feels a bit unreal, thank you @MTVBaseAfrica for trusting me. Here we go, 24 hours of preparation.”

Not a stranger to hosting big entertainment shows, Bonang has hosted major music and television awards including the South African Music Awards, Channel O Music Awards, The South African Film and Television Awards, and a number of beauty pageants including Miss South Africa. Her involvement in such shows has seen her make a name for herself as a major master of ceremonies.

Bonang’s career kicked-off at the age of 15 when she joined SABC 2's kids’ game series, Manhattan's Fantasy Challenge. In 2007, she dropped her studies when she auditioned as host of South Africa's most watched music series, LIVE. She got the job, and shortly afterwards, became one of South Africa’s most sought after celebrities.

Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa said, 'We are thrilled that Bonang Matheba, one of Africa's most inspiring and luminous media personalities, will be hosting the MTV Africa Music Awards on 22 October.  With her extensive presenting experience, personal charm and beauty, Bonang is going to make a fabulous host for MAMA 2016 and we look forward to an amazing awards show on 22 October with her at the helm.”

He added, “We are naturally disappointed that Trevor will be unable to join us on Saturday, but his health is of paramount importance and we wish him a speedy recovery."

Hip-hop artist Future will headline the event. The American star will be supported by a number of top African artists such as Emtee, Kwesta, Patoranking, Alikiba, Babes Wodumo, Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Ycee and Yemi Alade, C4 Pedro, Sauti Sol, and DJ Maphorisa.

The MAMAs will air live on MTV (DStv channel 130) and MTV Base (DStv channel 322) from the Ticketpro Dome on Saturday 22 October at 21:00 CAT. The show will also be transmitted worldwide on partner stations and content platforms from October onwards, while MTV channels around the world will broadcast a one-hour MAMA-themed MTV World Stage.