Wizkid triumphs at 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards

Presented by Viacom International Media Networks, the awards ceremony spotlights outstanding artists in Europe and beyond. Wizkid competed with fellow African musicians Tems (Nigeria) and Amaarae (Ghana), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) and Focalistic (South Africa) to win the prize.

“I just want to say a big thank you to the EMAs for the award,” Wizkid said in his virtually recorded acceptance speech. “I’ll also like to say a big thank you to my fans. Thank you for supporting Wizkid, thank you for supporting Starboy, thank you for supporting big Wiz. Africa to the world!”

ViacomCBS Networks Africa’s senior vice-president and general manager Monde Twala said: “Wizkid’s win at the EMAs underscores Africa’s rise to prominence in the global music scene. Music has the power to unite the world and this year’s winner has truly embodied that concept with ground-breaking collaborations and inspirational messaging.

“We are proud of all the artists nominated in the Best African Act category and VCNA will continue in its promise to promote local talent across our platforms as we showcase the best of African music and culture to the world.”

Meanwhile, English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran took home the Best Artist and Best Song awards for ‘Bad Habits’, while US singer Lil Nas X was awarded for Best Video for ‘MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”. K-pop band BTS won the most awards on the night, including Best Pop, Best K-Pop, Best Group and Biggest Fans.

Wizkid’s MTV EMAs victory complements an outstanding run of achievements this year, which have been propped up by the global success of his Made in Lagos album including the smash hit ‘Essence’ featuring Tems.

Last week, Wizkid was shortlisted for the Best African Music Act and Best International Act at the 2021 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards in the UK. In October, Billboard Magazine confirmed that Made in Lagos had been submitted for the Best Global Album Award for next year’s Grammys, which his colleague Burna Boy won earlier this year.