The first ever MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA),conceived as the ultimate celebration of African contemporary music and talent, exploded into life on 22 November at The Velodrome in Abuja, Nigeria.

The biggest winner on the night was charismatic Nigerian music sensation, D'Banj who took home three MAMA Golden Microphones including Best Male, Artist of the Year and Listener's Choice. Kenya's sought after female artist Wahu took home Best Female.

Best Video went to Ikechukwu from Nigeria for his video 'Wind Am Well', while Alicia Keys won the honours in Best R&B.

South African alternative act, Seether, took home the gong for Best Alternative while energetic hip-hop outfit Jozi were a popular choice for Best Live. Best New Act was won by Naeto C from Nigeria while fellow countrymen, P Square, beat off the competition in Best Group.

Highlights of the star-studded awards show included a duet between Kelly Rowland and triple award winner, D'Banj, a music 'duel' and dance-off between Nigerian R&B duo P Square and Jozi, a solo from soul siren Asa, and showstopping hip-hop master classes from Flo Rida and The Game.

The most poignant moment of the night came when MTV paid homage to two of Africa's most beloved and influential music giants: Miriam Makeba, who passed away earlier in November, and legendary Afro Beat star Fela Anikulapo Kuti, whose seminal track 'Army Arrangement' was performed by his youngest son and standard bearer, Seun Anikulapo Kuti, and Fela's Egypt 80. Seun Kuti subsequently accepted the inaugural MAMA Legend Award in honour of his late father.

Guest presenters at the Awards include 9ice, DJ Cleo, Goldfish, Sasha, Loyiso, Dama do Bling, Zonke, Samini, Wahu, Noni Gasa,JJ Okocha, East Africa Bashment Crew and MTV VJ Cynthia.

WINNERS

BEST FEMALE: Wahu (Kenya)

BEST MALE: D'Banj (Nigeria)

BEST LIVE PERFORMER: Jozi (South Africa)

BEST GROUP: P Square (Nigeria)

BEST ALTERNATIVE: Seether (South Africa)

BEST HIP-HOP: 9ice (Nigeria)

BEST R&B: Alicia Keys (USA)

ARTIST OF THE YEAR: D’Banj (Nigeria)

BEST NEW ACT: Naeto C (Nigeria)

BEST VIDEO: Ikechukwu (Nigeria)

LISTENER’S CHOICE AWARD: D'Banj (Nigeria) - 'Why Me'

MAMAs LEGEND: Fela Anikulapo Kuti

MY VIDEO: Jide Rotilu