NEAs pit top African female artists against each other

The nominees are Queen Vee (Zimbabwe), Amanda Black (South Africa), Victoria Kimani (Kenya), Sheeban Karungi (Uganda), Butera Knowless (Rwanda), Efya (Ghana) and Becca (Ghana).

Queen Vee shared the news on her Facebook page. “The great God that we serve will never abandon us, and the work we put in will always bear fruit," she wrote. “My first international award nomination for the prestigious Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2017. It gives me so much excitement to represent my country and uplift our music.”

It’s not clear which song Queen Vee was nominated for but it is likely her collaboration with Zimbabwean dancehall artist Soul Jah Love called ‘Mari Mari’ earned her the nod.

Amanda Black also expressed her excitement on Facebook. “Wow but guys these blessings are doing a number on me. Nominated for the Nigerian Entertainment Awards for Best Africa Female Artist (non-Nigerian)," she wrote.

Amanda Black’s hit single 'Amazulu', which was released last year, gained her recognition beyond South Africa’s borders. The song earned her nominations and honours at the Metro FM Awards, SAMAs and BET Awards. Signed to Ambitiouz Entertainment since 2016, her debut studio album Amazulu was certified platinum three weeks after its release.

Kimani, who was born in the US, took to Facebook to thank the organisers for nominating her. "Thank you @neaawards for the nomination," she wrote.

Meanwhile, the Best Africa Male Artist category is dominated by South African and Ghanaian artists. The list features Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) and Nasty C (South Africa), Eddie Kenzo (Uganda), Stonebwoy (Ghana), Sarkodie (Ghana), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania) and duo Toofan (Togo).