MTV Vice President and Africa boss Alex Okosi and Zain Kenya commercial director Michael Okwiri made the announcement in the East African city in an event flanked by Kenyan Minister for Tourism Najib Balala. 

Wahu, winner last year

The awards, known as the MAMAs, champion contemporary African music in various genres.  The announcement was made on 15^th April at Nairobi's Blue Times lounge in a colorful soiree held for the media and entertainment industry.

The awards, sponsored solely by telecommunications giant Zain, follow closely its multi-territory strategy, giving a platform for the presentation of the very best of modern African music and continuing a tradition of support for the arts the firm has maintained since setting up in Kenya in 2008.  Commercial Director Michael Okwiri paid tribute to the host country's great potential in the creative arts and pledged Zain's continued support for such efforts.

MTV Networks Africa Managing Director Alex Okosi said, ‘The MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain is a global platform that highlights the passion, impact and creativity of Africa's best contemporary artists.' The awards acronymised name is a tribute to Africa's place as the birthplace of music.

In explaining Nairobi's selection, Okosi lauded it as a ‘vibrant and influential cultural hub', one that would form ‘a brilliant backdrop to the MAMA awards and ensure that the awards are a truly unforgettable experience.'

The Kenyan government has pledged to support the event, the second in history.  The first one was held in Abuja, Nigeria. Minister Balala, on behalf of Nairobi and the Kenyan people said, ‘Nairobi is proud to be hosting this year's MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain. MTV's choice of Nairobi is a huge boost for the city, and we are looking forward to welcoming the continent's biggest stars here in October for this milestone event.'

Minister Balala went on to announce that the awards would be in line with his Ministry's strategy of opening up new tourism lines, in addition to the traditional wildlife and beaches; and expanding the target market to include young people. Nairobi's selection is particularly good news for the Kenyan economy coming during this financial crisis. It promises to bring in valuable jobs, inward investment and foreign currency, as well as a host of first time visitors from around the continent.

Africans in the USA will be able to join in the audience for the awards ceremony which is expected to reach 1 billion people, on MTV2, while those on the continent will have a selection of choices, most prominent of which will be DStv.