The 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards landed in Durban on 7th June to honor groundbreaking music from across the continent. While US stars French Montana, Miguel and Trey Songz all put in polished performances, it was the African artists who stole the show, including big winners Davido, Flavour, Mafikizolo and Sarkodie. And hyping the crowd all evening-long were MTV Base VJs Nomuzi Mabena from Johannesburg and Vanessa Mdee from Dar es Salaam. KISUA caught up with them pre-show for a chat while having some fun styling key pieces from the new Hariri collection.
On the MAMAs:
Nomuzi: Everyone loves music and can relate to it regardless of where you come from or what language you speak. It’s awesome to see artists from different scenes around Africa in one space and going all out to collaborate on stage. It inspires us all.
Vanessa: The who’s who of African music are all here. The highlight for me is going to be teaching the audience how to do the Skelewu dance that Tanzanian artist Diamond created and performs with Davido.
On African music:
Nomuzi: Right now, hip hop is putting South Africa on the map. Artists such as Khuli Chana, KO and AKA are drawing on old school local artists to create a new authentic sound. Call it scandal rap, new age kwaito or simply SA hip hop - this music is transcending borders.
Vanessa: Artists have grown a lot since the last MAMAs in 2010, both in terms of their international reach and the scope of their music. I’m thrilled to see more ladies in the scene too, like Nhlanhla Nciza from Mafikizolo and Tiwa Savage.
On the MAMAs:
Nomuzi: I call my style ‘African Swaggie’. I love prints, beading and gold jewellery and think these elements work best with black and white. I also love wearing African designers and to tie it all together with urban flavour.
Vanessa: I support Tanzanian designers Eskado Bird and Loin Cloth & Ashes. I like patterns, patchwork and everything that’s trending in African fashion right now.
Images: Chris Saunders
Words: Helen Jennings
