SA’s Master KG wins MTV Europe Music Award

The ‘Jerusalema’ hitmaker triumphed against Kabza de Small (South Africa), DJ Maphorisa (South Africa), Burna Boy (Nigeria), Rema (Nigeria), Sheebah (Uganda) and Gaz Mawete (DRC).

Mster KG joins the ranks of previous MTV EMAs Best African Act winners such as Burna Boy, Davido and Tiwa Savage.

“I would love to thank my sister Nomcebo, my team Open Mic Productions, and everyone who has supported Master KG, thank you so much. To all my fans all over the world, without you this would have not been possible,” Master KG said.

The South African Department of Sports Arts and Culture said: “We are exceptionally proud of Master KG, who took home top honours to win the coveted Best African Act Award at the MTV EMAs.

“We are exceptionally proud of our ambassadors, Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode for creating one of the biggest songs on the planet. Not only is this a win for South Africa ­– it is a win for Africa at large. Your patriotism shall go down the annals of history as you continue to place our rainbow nation on the international map. Continue to pick up the fallen spears of your predecessors in representing our motherland in such a unifying and unprecedented manner.”

ViacomCBS Networks Africa senior vice-president and general manager Monde Twala said: “Master KG’s accolades at this year’s MTV EMAs is a testament to his global popularity that has seen people all over the world unite in dance to his smash hit ‘Jerusalema’ during one of the most unprecedented times in our history.”

Below is a selected list of categories and winners:

Best African Act

• Master KG (South Africa)
• Burna Boy (Nigeria)
• Rema (Nigeria)
• Kabza de Small and Maphorisa (South Africa)
• Sheebah (Uganda)
• Gaz Mawete (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Best Video

• ‘POPSTAR’ – DJ Khaled ft. Drake
• ‘Everything I Wanted’ – Billie Eilish
• ‘WAP’ – Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion
• ‘Tusa’ – Karol G ft. Nicki Minaj
• ‘Rain On Me’ – Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande
• ‘The Man’ – Taylor Swift
• ‘Blinding Lights’ – The Weeknd

Best Artist

• Lady Gaga
• Dua Lipa
• Harry Styles
• Justin Bieber
• Miley Cyrus
• The Weeknd

Best Song

• ‘Dynamite’ – BTS
• ‘Rockstar’ – DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch
• ‘Don’t Start Now’ – Dua Lipa
• ‘Rain On Me’ – Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande
• ‘The Box’ – Roddy Ricch
• ‘Blinding Lights’ – The Weeknd

Best Collaboration

• ‘Tusa’ – Karol G ft. Nicki Minaj
• ‘Ice Cream’ – BLACKPINK, Selena Gomez
• ‘WAP’ – Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion
• ‘Rockstar’ – DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch
• ‘Intentions’ – Justin Bieber ft. Quavo
• ‘Rain On Me’ – Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande
• ‘I’m Ready’ – Sam Smith, Demi Lovato

Best Pop

• Little Mix
• BTS
• Dua Lipa
• Harry Styles
• Justin Bieber
• Katy Perry
• Lady Gaga

Best Group

• BTS
• 5 Seconds of Summer
• BLACKPINK
• Chloe x Halle
• CNCO
• Little Mix

Best New

• Doja Cat
• BENEE
• DaBaby
• Jack Harlow
• Roddy Ricch
• YUNGBLUD