The Channel O African Music Video Awards are less than an hour away! The mood could not be more palpable at present and I’m sure the nerves are on high as well! Some of the biggest names in African music are either nominated or performing tonight (Or both!) and we can’t wait to see who comes out on top when pitted against each other. 

Having each released an album this year, South Africa’s three biggest rappers K.O, Cassper Nyovest and AKA will be going head to head in several categories, while the likes of Davido, Bucie, Beatenberg and Riky Rick, who have all had good years, will be in a confident mood after having each experienced strong years in the industry. 

My predictions haven’t always been spot on, especially in recent times, but I’ve decided to take a stab at a few of the categories and give my prediction on who I think will take it. 

MOST GIFTED MALE

CASSPER NYOVEST – DOC SHEBELEZA

DAVIDO – AYE

RIKY RICK FT OKMALUMKOOLKAT – AMANTOMBAZANE

K.O. FT KID X – CARACARA

SARKODIE – ILLUMINATI

Cassper and K.O go head to head for the first time in this category, while Davido, who has been tearing up the continent this year will also be one to watch. It has to be Cassper for me though. 

MOST GIFTED FEMALE

THEMBI SEETE – THUNTSHA LEROLE

BUCIE FT HEAVY K – EASY TO LOVE

LIZHA JAMES FT UHURU – QUEM TI MANDOU

TIWA SAVAGE FT DON JAZZY – EMINADO

SEYI SHAY – IRAWO

Easy to Love has been one of the biggest tracks this year, let alone in house music and Kalawajazzme’s queen, Bucie can be expected to take this category. 

MOST GIFTED NEWCOMER 

DREAM TEAM FT TAMARSHA, AKA & BIG NUZ – TSEKEDE

CASSPER NYOVEST – DOC SHEBELEZA

EMMY GEE FT AB CRAZY & DJ DIMPLEZ – RANDS AND NAIRAS

DIAMOND – NUMBER ONE

PATORANKING – GIRLIE O (REMIX)

If we’re trying to spread out the awards, Emmy Gee would be a great candidate to take this award. If we’re not spreading them out, expect Cassper to take it once again.

MOST GIFTED DUO, GROUP OR FEATURING

UHURU FT OSKIDO & PROFESSOR – Y-TJUKUTJA

DJ CLOCK FT BEATENBERG – PLUTO (I REMEMBER)

R2BEES FT WIZKID – SLOW DOWN

K.O. FT KID X – CARACARA

KCEE FT WIZKID – PULL OVERs

Uhuru’s smash hit Y-Tjukutja tore the clubs a new one this year, but that was until Beatenberg and K.O. stepped onto the scene! Pluto and Caracara have been Mzansi’s two biggest tracks this year and either could take it. It’s almost too close to call, but I think Caracara will pull through for K.O.

MOST GIFTED AFRO POP

DAVIDO – AYE

MAFIKIZOLO FT MAY D – HAPPINESS

DIAMOND – NUMBER ONE

FLAVOUR    ADA ADA

IYANYA – JOMBOLO

Mafikizolo keep winning and have represented the country fantastically, however I think Davido will take this category. His sounds have been infectious this year.

MOST GIFTED HIP HOP

CASSPER NYOVEST – DOC SHEBELEZA

KHULI CHANA FT DA L.E.S & MAGESH – HAPE LE HAPE 2.1

PHYNO – ALOBAM

K.O. FT KID X – CARACARA

AKA – CONGRATULATE

This is probably the one category that will be watched most intently. If Most Gifted Hip Hop should go down to a yearly performance though (Rather than one single or song) Cassper Nyovest should comfortably take this. 

MOST GIFTED VIDEO OF THE YEAR

EMMY GEE FT AB CRAZY & DJ DIMPLEZ – RANDS AND NAIRAS

DAVIDO – AYE

K.O. FT KID X – CARACARA

BURNA BOY – RUN MY RACE

TIWA SAVAGE FT DON JAZZY – EMINADO

DR SID FT DON JAZZY – SURULERE

RIKY RICK FT OKMALUMKOOLKAT – AMANTOMBAZANE

CASSPER NYOVEST – DOC SHEBELEZA

SARKODIE – ILLUMINATI

DJ CLOCK FT BEATENBERG – PLUTO (I REMEMBER)

AKA – CONGRATULATE

DIAMOND – NUMBER ONE

And of course, the BIG ONE: Most Gifted Video of the year. 12 incredible nominees but only one can walk away with the big prize. Because this is titled VIDEO OF THE YEAR I’m going to give it to K.O. once again. 

Who do you think will win which category? Tune in to Channel O at 8PM to catch this year’s African Music Video Awards. Stoked!