Two US R n B music stars, Trey Songz and Miguel, have urged African artistes to work hard and be consistent in their music in order to conquer the world.
They said this on Friday night at the Playhouse, Durban, South Africa during the pre-awards news conference for the MTV Africa Music Awards 2014.
Songz said he was excited to be in Africa and that he had great respect for African music and musicians who were making the continent proud.
He said: “You guys are doing very well and I can’t say there’s anything you are doing wrong but you have to be consistent and keep doing what you are doing.
“African music will spread more all over the world.
“As the world becomes flat without barriers through the internet, people can access music from everywhere.
“So African artistes should continue to work and keep pressing the issue.”
Songz said he had already done some collaboration with African artistes and was working on some more.
Songz explained the reasons behind his sexy videos and said that he shot the videos in order to enhance the message of some of his songs.
Miguel, on his part, said he was also working on some collaboration with African artistes, adding that he was excited to be on the continent to perform at the MAMAs.
Phyno, a Nigerian artiste who was nominated for an award, said he thanked God that his hard work had paid off and that he was recognised among the best in Africa.
Phyno said he was bothered that people might not accept his music, which was mostly in Igbo language, but that music had no language and that good music always met success.
Alex Okosi, the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of MTV Networks Africa, said that MTV was holding the awards in order to project Africa in positive light to the world.
Okosi said: “There shouldn’t be always bad news about Africa.
“It is good to let the world know that good things are happening here and that African art is wonderful.
“Our young people are doing very well and music is a great industry on the continent.
“So we should celebrate ourselves and make the world take note.”
Nigerian artists featured prominently on the nominees’ list, with 18 nominations in 11 categories out of 15 up for grabs at the awards.
The awards presentation is taking place in South Africa for the first time on Saturday evening (June 7) at the Durban International Convention Centre.
It will be broadcast live across the continent for the first time.
The award was staged in Nigeria in 2008 and 2010 and Kenya in 2009.
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