Tag Archives: ViacomCBS Networks Africa

DJ Khaled to host MTV awards

Grammy-winning DJ and record executive DJ Khaled is set to be the international host of the 14th edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) taking place in Kampala.

DJ Khaled

The virtual awards ceremony will showcase African culture, music and creativity and is due to air globally for the first time in 180 countries on February 20 at 2.00 CAT/18.00 GMT/13.00 EST.

The event will celebrate African talent across 20 award categories, including Best Male, Best Female, Best Song and Best Collaboration.

The contribution of artists from Portuguese- and French-speaking Africa will also be recognised in the Best Lusophone and Best Francophone categories. Additional new categories included are the MAMA Generation Change Award, Best Fan Base, Alone Together Best Lockdown Performance and Personality of the Year.

Khaled, who has long been a major force in the music industry, said: “MTV has always been a great partner so I jumped at the opportunity to host this year’s MAMAs. I can’t wait to celebrate the incredible music that comes out of Africa, which has inspired me throughout my career.”

Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming and events for ViacomCBS Media Networks, stated: “Africa is home to some of the world’s most dynamic talent and we’re excited to spotlight these artists as the MAMAs broadcast in 180 countries for the first time in MTV history. With Grammy-winning powerhouse DJ Khaled at the helm, we’re certain this will be an incredible, must-see global event.”

Monde Twala, senior VP and general manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa, added: “We are thrilled to have DJ Khaled as our international host for MAMA Kampala 2021. With his global success achievement and over 22 million followers on social media, he will inspire youth across the continent and attract an even bigger international audience to the virtual event.”

The awards ceremony will be broadcast on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV Africa (DStv Channel 130).

The MAMA was established in 2008 by MTV Networks Africa (now Viacom International Media Networks Africa) to celebrate the most popular contemporary music in Africa.

It has since recognised the talent of musicians and personalities from across Africa, including 2Face Idibia, AKA, Anselmo Ralph, Big Nuz, Cassper Nyovest, Clarence Peters, Cabo Snoop, Davido, D’Banj, Diamond Platnumz, Flavour, Lira, Lupita Nyong’o, Mafikizolo Nameless, P-Square, Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Toofan, Trevor Noah, Uhuru, Wahu, Wizkid, Yemi Alade and others.

To vote in any of the categories, click here. Voting closes on January 31.

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ViacomCBS adds Zee World to line-up

ViacomCBS Networks Africa (VCNA), the Johannesburg-based arm of the Hollywood studio, has expanded its offering by adding Indian broadcaster Zee World to its channel bouquet.

Strini Naicker

The move will take effect from March 1 and reinforces VCNA’s commitment to connecting brands to its audiences through platforms that offer authentic storytelling, exciting content and value for money.

According to VCNA, Zee World focuses on bringing people together, through culture, colour, fashion, dance, music, family values, tradition, spirituality, triumphs and lows, and this has contributed to the channel’s growth and success.

Strini Naicker, VP of commercial and content distribution at VCNA, said: “The environment in which VCNA operates necessitates a diverse, one-of-a-kind and adaptive approach to commercialisation, distribution, promotion and the incorporation of innovation in ensuring the success of our business. We are always open to new partnerships that will see us grow and continue to offer content that resonates with our audiences.

“Commercially, VCNA’s stakeholders and partners will now have an additional avenue and platform to promote their products and services. The programming contents on the Zee World channel are relatable and adapted to resonate with diversified consumers, which is what VCNA strives for on a daily basis.”

Craig Paterson, senior VP and general manager at VCNA, added: “Welcoming Zee World to our portfolio not only means a new audience, but it also delivers on some of our strategic objectives, to cater to a broader audience and live by our mantra of prioritising diversity and inclusion. This is an exciting partnership for the Africa business.”

Zee World claims to be the world’s first English-language dubbed Indian entertainment channel and the first in the world to customise fully by showcasing Bollywood movies and series as well as a variety of shows tailored for the African audience.

Its core audience are females and it reaches over 4.5 million households in South Africa.

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ViacomCBS ups Monde Twala to BET role

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has promoted Monde Twala from his current role with ViacomCBS Networks Africa to peer lead at BET International.

Monde Twala

Twala will work with Kerry Taylor, executive VP of VCNI’s entertainment and youth brands, and the larger international division to guide editorial direction and identify opportunities to strengthen and grow the BET brand outside the US.

Twala is currently senior VP of ViacomCBS Networks Africa, editorial and general manager. During his tenure he has played a key role in the creation of ViacomCBS Africa’s major music events, including the Africa Day Benefit Concert at Home, the first virtual benefit event to support children and families in Africa impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the MTV Africa Music Awards.

Additionally, Twala has worked alongside local production teams to create a range of programming including MTV Newsish, BET Breaks, scripted biopics and reality formats.

“As head of BET’s largest international market, Monde has an incredible track record of driving development and growth for all of our ViacomCBS brands across the African continent,” said Taylor.

“He is a passionate champion of the brand and I have no doubt that he will drive it forward in a strong, impactful way while ensuring BET International elevates black culture globally.”

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Elba, media giants link for Covid concert

ViacomCBS Networks Africa and YouTube have partnered with British actor and producer Idris Elba to host a home-based benefit concert for Africa Day.

Idris Elba
(photo: Harald Krichel via CC)

The May 25 concert is aimed at raising funds to support the World Food Programme and Unicef in their work to help African children and families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

African musicians performing from home for the concert include Davido (Nigeria), Burna Boy (Nigeria), Bebe Cool (Uganda), Busiswa (South Africa), C4 Pedro (Angola) and Reekado Banks (Nigeria)

There will also be special messages from South African comedian and author Trevor Noah, the host of Comedy Central US’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah; reigning Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi; American rapper and actor Ludacris; and UN Goodwill ambassador and actress Nomzamo Mbatha, among many others.

Elba, who has recovered from Covid-19 after being diagnosed in April, said the concert would provide “a moment to shine a light on African arts to benefit the African homeland and its people.”

The star of TV series including The Wire and Luther and movies such as Pacific Rim added: “A continent of this size should find a way to dig deep and stand up for one another at a time like this. It’s important for the future, and history will not forget.”

Monde Twala, senior VP and general manager for ViacomCBS Networks Africa, said: “We are proud to have formidable partners and talent on board as we tackle this unprecedented humanitarian crisis. ViacomCBS Networks Africa is proud to work alongside YouTube to support the World Food Programme and Unicef in their efforts.”

Alex Okosi, YouTube MD of emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, added: “African Music is powerful in its ability to uplift and connect the world. YouTube is proud to be a platform for the amazing talent that have come to celebrate Africa Day and play a role in helping to raise funds for those affected by Covid-19 on the continent.”

Lola Castro, the World Food Programme’s regional director for Southern Africa, said: “With so many people on the continent already acutely food-insecure, we are extremely concerned about the prospect of Covid-19 causing a hunger catastrophe.”

On May 25, the benefit concert will stream on MTV Base Africa’s YouTube channel at 18:00 CAT and across TV networks MTV Base (DStv channel 322), MTV (DStv 130), BET Africa (DStv 129) and Comedy Central (DStv 122) at 21:00 CAT.

After Africa Day, organisations and individuals will still be able to contribute towards fundraising through the World Food Programme and Unicef campaign website.

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