Zain customers win trip to Kenya MAMAs

Akon at the MAMAs 2009

The winning customers were selected via an SMS (Short Message Service) quiz competition and were accompanied by Zain Nigeria's head of segment, Ikechukwu Kalu. Participants were prompted to send the keyword, MAMA to the short code: 37041, noting that winners were selected based on entries.

Participants emerged via number of entries, adding that the more a customer sent an SMS to the advertised shortcode, the higher his/her chances of qualifying were. The SMS Quiz competition was offered in conjunction with one of Zain's Wireless Application Service Providers (WASP).

Artists collaborate at the MAMAs

This year's edition of MAMAs with Zain featured multiple collaborations between artists from different countries and music genres - combining hip hop with R&B, alternative, soul and dancehall, among others. Among the collaborations thrilling the 4,000 strong crowd was a three way tie-up featuring HHP, Brickz and 2FACE, as well as a collaboration between Kenyan divas Amani and Wahu and Tanzania's A.Y. and a hip-hop/rock mash-up between Zebra & Giraffe and Da LES.

The evening closed with a performance of Michael Jackson's ‘Wanna Be Starting Something' with Akon and all the other performers.

Wyclef Jean plays host

The show was anchored by the urban musician and hip-hop rebel Wyclef Jean. Wyclef and another music star, Akon brought their legendary showmanship, outrageous sense of humour and infinite enthusiasm to the Indoor Arena of the Moi International Sports Complex.

Nigeria's fast rising rap sensation, MI also known as Mr. Incredible was one of the key performers at the awards.

To view the winners read Nameless and M.I. win at MTV Africa Awards.

The MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain was created in 2008 to celebrate the best African contemporary music. The TV show of the awards will be broadcast from 17 October 2009, including on MTV base (on DStv Channel 322, Daarsat) and on terrestrial channels such as RTGA (DRC), ZNBC (Zambia), Citizen TV (Kenya), WBS (Uganda), TBC 1 (Ghana), TV3 (Ghana), STV (Nigeria) and AIT (Nigeria).