Renowned entertainer Wizkid of Nigeria has been relieved of an award that was erroneously given to him.
Instead the award has been given to the Sony Music Entertainment Africa-signed artiste out of East Africa and Tanzania – Alikiba.
The award that was subject to public voters became a subject of discussion after votes showed Alikiba was leading but the organisers gave Wizkid the award during the ceremony held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
‘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,’ MTV EMA wrote in an official statement.
Six Worldwide Act winners, including Wizkid, were selected by an international committee of MTV executives to recognize current artistes 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, and 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.
The spokesperson added: ‘We apologise for any confusion we have caused but we are pleased to recognize the achievements of both these artistes on this global platform’.
In appreciation Alikiba said: “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.”
The news of an Alikiba win sent Tanzanian fans into overdrive, prompting them to make comments on social media.
Meanwhile, Wizkid has since deleted all posts on social media regarding him as winner of the award.
