MTV Africa Music Awards puts Jozi on the map

24 October 2016

 

All roads led to the Ticketpro Dome in Randburg on Saturday October 22 where the City of Johannesburg hosted 15 000 music lovers and celebrities for the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) – the first time the spectacular continental showpiece was staged in the City of Gold.

 

The mega annual event, which honours African talent and creativity, saw five great South Africans being recognised for their dedication and excellence, with the legendary Hugh Masekela receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other South Africans who graced the awards podium were Emtee, Cassper Nyovest, Shekhinah and Caster Semenya, who scooped the Personality of the Year Award.

The glitzy and glamorous event attracted musicians and music lovers from all walks of life from various parts of Africa and the rest of the world. Many of them used the MAMAs as a springboard to visit some of the city’s tourist attractions because, according to Joburg Tourism’s Laura Vercueil, “there is more to Johannesburg than business”.

“Being the host city of these awards allowed us to showcase our beautiful city and give tourists and visitors the opportunity to explore and see what our city has to offer in terms of leisure,” said Vercueil.

The city offers a plethora of cultural, leisure, sporting, fashion and lifestyle activities that are fast making it the leading and attractive tourist destination in Africa. For three years in a row, Johannesburg has been named by the MasterCard Global Destinations Cities Index as the most-visited city in Africa.

Vercueil said the partnership with the MTV Africa Music Awards has been excellent and it provided branding opportunities and media exposure. It also contributed to the economic development through value chain and associated spinoffs in industries such as transport, creative arts, logistics, hospitality, catering and accommodation.
Small tour operators also benefited from the awards.

“Joburg is growing at an unprecedented rate, constantly and continuously transforming itself,” said Vercueil.