UPDATE: 9ice wins MOBO Best African Act 2008

African music awards season is in full effect. After the release of the nominees for the Channel O Music Video Awards, and the initial selection of Kora Award 2008 nominees, The Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) awards nominees have been released too. MOBO celebrates genres like hip hop, R&B, gospel, and reggae and other styles that are of Black Origin. The British ceremony has become one of the most respected award ceremonies in recent times. It has had a Best African musician category in years past and winners include Samini (Ghana), and Tuface Idibia (Nigeria).

While we wait for the nominees for the upcoming MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), nominated for the Best African Act in the 2008 MOBO's are the following:

Magic System (Ivory Coast)
Jua Cali (Kenya)
Wahu (Kenya)
9ice (Nigeria)
Asa (Nigeria)
D'Banj and the Mo'hits All Stars (Nigeria)
Faze (Nigeria)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Hip Hop Pantsula (South Africa)
Jozi (South Africa)

This is a strong list of candidates, each musician/group of musicians has enjoyed a successful 2008. I am happy to see Magic System and Asa nominated after they failed to earn any nominations in the Channel O awards.

Magic System has been burning up the charts in Europe with their 'Ki dit mie' hit. Jua Cali is the most sought after rapper in Kenya today and had a lot of commercial success with his recent 'Kwaheri' single featuring Sanaipei Tande of Sema fame. Wahu (also known as Mrs. Nameless) returned to the music scene with popular hits like 'Sweet love' and 'Mambo bado'. 9ice has been the most popular Nigerian musician lately and even performed at Nelson Mandela's 46664 concert in London earlier this year. His 'Gongo aso' single has probably been the most popular Naija song of 2008. Asa has endeared herself to fans all over the world with her debut album with songs like 'Fire on the mountain' and 'Jailer'.

D'Banj is the reigning MTV EMA Best African Musician and while his new album is making its way up the charts and entering more African party playlists worldwide, he stayed in the limelight with the Mo' Hits All Stars (Don Jazzy) on the back of songs like 'Booty call', ''Pere' and 'Close to you'. Faze is riding the popularity of songs like 'Kolomental', and 'Tattoo girls' as he readies to release his new album. P-Square re-upped on their 'Bizzy body' success with tracks like 'Do me', 'Ifunaya' and 'No one like you'. Hip Hop Pantsula (Jabba) has been the mainstay on MTV Base and is beginning to gain popularity outside South Africa with hits like 'Music and Lights'. Jozi rocked the continent with 'What's with the attitude' and seem set to take their place as one of the most popular groups in Africa.

For more on the MOBO awards and how to vote for your favourite artist, visit this link.

Who do you tip to win this award?