Master KG might just win. “Jerusalema” featuring Nomcebo Zikode has collected over 150 million views on YouTube, countless remixes made from Italy, Germany, Brazil and the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge has become the new Macarena. As if “Jerusalema” was not hot already, a remix featuring Burna Boy was released this year.
Master KG
Master KG released the song in 2019 and it instantly became a hit with for its unique Limpopo sound and it was propelled by social media through the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge which saw the whole world participate.
This year’s list seems to be the most contested, African giant and 2019 MTV EMA winner Burna Boy is nominated yet again. Fellow Nigerian rapper, Rema at the age of 20, has also secured a spot. Afrobeats artist Sheeba from Uganda is the only female featured on the list for her song “Nakyuka”. Gaz Mawete is last on the list and flies the banner for Democratic Republic of Congo.
Burna Boy responded gratuitously to the nomination: “A big thank you to my MTV family for nominating me again for this award and to my fans all over the world for listening to and supporting my music.”
Nigerian artists have been sweeping the Best African Act four years in a row. Burna Boy won in 2019 and Tiwa Savage made history by being the first Black African female to win in 2018. Davidoscooped the award in 2017.
“Jerusalema” is currently the most shazamed song in the world and is being adapted into a short film to celebrate the success of the song and South Africa’s heritage. The nomination is another step to the ever rising success of Jeruselma. Master KG commented on the nomination to IOL:
“Thank you so much MTV for this nomination in the Best African Act category at the EMAs. I’ ‘m so excited right now. This is a life-changing moment for me.”
The MTV EMAs will be broadcasted live on the 8th of November 2020 exclusively on MTV and MTV Base. Vote for your favourite African Act here.