#MTVEMA2016: Alikiba Wins As Wizkid Gets Stripped Of ‘Best Africa Act’ Award

In a highly surprising turn of events, Nigerian music sensation Wizkid has been made to surrender the Best Africa Act award he won at the MTV Europe Music Awards recently held at the Ahoy Stadium, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

MTV had previously announced Wizkid as the winner of the ‘Best African Act’ category in the 2016 edition of the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA).

READ ALSO: Wizkid Emerges Best African Act At MTV Europe Music Awards 2016

However, the award has been given to Alikiba; a musician from Tanzania, who the organizers say was the real winner of the award.

READ ALSO: Wizkid, Olamide Nominated For 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards

An official statement issued by MTV EMAs as regards to the changes read:

“MTV congratulates Alikiba who has won Best African Act at the 2016 MTV EMAs.

The news was revealed November 10 after the incorrect results for Best African Act were posted late Sunday night November 6 due to an error.

Six Worldwide Act winners, including Wizkid, were selected by an international committee of MTV executives to recognize current artists who are rising to have a wider Geographic appeal beyond their local region. The winners were chosen based off a range of  criteria including international MTV video play, radio airplay, streams and sales across multiple territories and regions.

The winner of Best African Act was selected by fans via votes on MTVEMA.com.

An MTV spokesperson commented, “Both Wizkid and Alikiba are great artists and deserving winners at the MTV EMAS and we congratulate them wholeheartedly on their achievements.

We apologise for any confusion we have caused but we are pleased to recognize the achievements of both these artists on  this global platform.”

Commented Alikiba, “Thanks to MTV for this huge honour  It’s very exciting to be recognized  at the MTV EMAs and I am delighted to bring home the award to my fans in Tanzania and East Africa. Thank you to my family and management.”