The first nominee’s list of the MTV Africa Music Awards Kampala 2021 (MAMA) has finally been unveiled, and it features some of Africa’s top acts.

Read More: MTV Africa And MTV Base Announces The Return Of The MAMAs

The list features talented African musicians including the likes of Burna Boy, Busiswa, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Innoss’B, Kabza De Small, John Blaq, Master KG, Suspect 95, Sheebah, Soraia Ramos, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade and WizKid – who were each nominated for two awards. São Tomé and Príncipe’s Calema leads the pack with three nominations for Artist of the Year, Best Group, and Best Lusophone Act.

The fifty-two MAMA Kampala 2021 nominees from 15 countries, were revealed in the initial 10 music categories by MTV Base, in partnership with Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, during a 45-minute special show that aired on MTV Base (DStv channel 322), on Wednesday.

In the Best Male category, Nigerians Burna Boy, Rema, and Fireboy DML will face off against South African musos Kabza De Small and Master KG, as well as Tanzanian artiste Harmonize, and Innoss’B from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The highly contested Best Female category features fierce female competition and is lead by Uganda’s Sheebah, Sho Madjozi and Busiswa from South Africa, Cape Verde’s Soraia Ramos and Simi, Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage from Nigeria.

An epic battle of the bands is set to take place between Blaq Diamond; Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa, Sauti Sol and Ethic, Calema, Príncipe, and Tanzania’s Rostam in the Best Group category. The Artist of the Year also has some stiff competition, namely Burna Boy, Davido, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid from Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe’S Calema, Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania, and South Africa’s Master KG.

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa (VCNA) said, “These nominees represent some of the very best talents the continent has to offer. The MAMA is a great showcase and opportunity for African music along with youth culture to shine on the global stage. Congratulations to all the nominees who continue to push the boundaries of creativity and authenticity, we are proud of your contribution to the continent’s music industry in taking Africa to the World. It’s a celebration not to be missed.”

Two new categories have been announced for the MAMA Kampala 2021. The first is the exciting entrant of the Best Ugandan Act, which recognizes the host country’s star and rising talent. The nominees include Sheebah, Bebe Cool, John Blaq, Vinka, Daddy Andre, and Spice Diana. The second new category inspired as a reflection of the unique reality of the music scene in 2020 is the Alone Together: Best Lockdown Performance.

“This is a milestone moment for Uganda to bring the MAMA Kampala 2021 to the African continent that presents a great opportunity to share the beauty and diversity of our magnificent nation, music, and culture from the Pearl of Africa,” said The Honourable Godfrey Kiwanda, State Minister for Tourism Uganda. “The MAMA is a great platform to highlight the continent’s music and showcase the full spectrum of what the continent has to offer. We extend our congratulations to everyone who has been recognized with a nomination.”

The second round of nominations, including Best Collaboration, Best International, Personality of the Year, Best Alternative Act, Best Fan Base Award, and Song of the Year will be revealed from the 5 January 2021 on MTV Base.