At a spectacular MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMA) that held Sunday night in Bilbao, Spain, Cuban-American singer and songwriter Camila Cabello led the pack with four awards, including “Best Artist” and “Best Worldwide Act”.
Nigeria’s songstress Tiwa Savage also clinched the “Best African Act”, beating co-Nigerian nominee, David Adeleke, aka Davido and four other talented nominees in the solely African category.
The show, which took place at the Bilbao Exhibition Center, opened with some energetic performances, as Nicki Minaj and Little Mix joined forces for an empowering performance of their collaboration “Woman Like Me”. Earlier, Minaj had set the mood for the night with her new song “Good Form”.
It was a night of female ‘power’, as global music icon, Janet Jackson, brought her A-game to the EMA stage, delivering a blazing performance of hits over her legendary 40-year career.
As usual, Jackson brought culture and creative nuances to her act with stunning performances across four stages. There were African drummers, flame torches, fire breathers, more than 20 dancers and an elevated stage surrounded by flames.
Every year, MTV recognises artistes from around the globe with Worldwide Act awards and Best Local Act awards for multiple regions including Germany, Spain, Japan and Africa. Contributing to the strong female winning streak at this year’s MTV EMAs, Tiwa Savage from Nigeria claimed the accolade of first solo female winner for the African Act category.
Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International, Alex Okosi noted that Tiwa was very deserving of the award.
According to him, “The MTV EMAs are always a proud moment for the continent. The Africa Act category is indicative of our commitment to elevate and showcase Africa’s collective talent and potential on a global scale. We are so proud of Tiwa. She is truly deserving of this award which is an affirmation of how consistent, commitment and hard work leads to success. I also want to congratulate all the nominees for who continue to inspire and uplift our continent.”
An excited Tiwa Savage, while commenting on her historic win said, “I’m just a girl from Nigeria living my dreams. I’m so thankful to everyone that’s supported my journey so far, especially my fans. Thank you MTV!”
This year’s show also awarded the first-ever “MTV EMA Generation Change Award” to elevate and empower the fearless, original young people who are changing the world. MTV awarded five change makers from around the globe, all under the age of 26, who are tackling the world’s toughest problems through music, storytelling and digital media, during the red carpet pre-show.
Nigeria’s 26-year-old Hauwa Ojeifo – a bold change maker who founded a movement of love, hope and support to give mental health a voice in Nigeria was announced a joint winner.
“We are equally honored to announce Huawa Ojeifo as joint MTV EMA Generation Change Award winner, she is testament to the powerful contribution of our youth for impactful change,” said Okosi.
Other highlights include Hailee Steinfeld officially kicking off the show with an EMA award art heist, followed by Panic! At The Disco’s Brendon Urie scaling Bilbao Exhibition Centre’s exterior before crashing through the ceiling to perform “High Hopes.”
Modern Flamenco-inspired sensation and Spain native Rosalía, one of the most buzzed-about acts of the night, rolled on stage in a gigantic truck before rocking the entire house with “Malamente” alongside 24 dancers.
Throughout the night, Steinfeld commanded the stage with her captivating hosting skills, and for her performance, she gave a nod to her upcoming film Bumblebee by performing soundtrack number “Back to Life” from inside a yellow human vehicle, artistically created with more than 20 bodies.
Five-time “MTV EMA” Award-winning English rock band Muse performed “Pressure” from Bilbao’s famed San Mamés Stadium.
Superstar Bebe Rexha delivered a huge show highlight with a mesmerizing performance of “I’m a Mess” while in a bathtub surrounded by nurses and 100 dancers.
Halsey brought the rain—literally—to the arena with an intimate solo performance of “Without Me” surrounded by rainfall.
Jason Derulo sang an operatic rendition of Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye” before flowing into his collaboration track “Goodbye” with David Guetta and Nicki Minaj, both of whom joined him on stage.
Alessia Cara gave a colorful performance for “Trust Me Lonely” against a backdrop of different settings.
Jack & Jack soared overhead with a thrilling aerial routine for “Rise” before crash landing onto a living room couch, joined on center stage by more than 100 fans.
To close out the show, Marshmello kept the energy booming alongside Anne-Marie for their platinum-certified track “FRIENDS,” followed by Bastille for “Happier.” Five giant inflatable Marshmello heads and hundreds of smaller Marshmello balls took over the venue as the grand finale.
FULL LIST OF “2018 MTV EMA” WINNERS:
BEST AFRICAN ACT
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
EMA GENERATION CHANGE
Hauwa Ojeifo — 26 years old, Nigeria
Sonita Alizadeh — 21 years old, Afghanistan
Mohamad Aljounde — 17 years old, Lebanon
Ellen Jones — 20 years old, UK
Xiuhtezcatl “X” Martinez — 18 years old, USA –
BEST ARTIST
Camila Cabello
BEST VIDEO
Camila Cabello – “Havana” ft. Young Thug
BEST SONG
Camila Cabello – “Havana” ft. Young Thug
BEST POP
Dua Lipa
BEST NEW
Cardi B
BEST LOOK
Nicki Minaj
BEST HIP HOP
Nicki Minaj
BEST LIVE
Shawn Mendes
BEST ROCK
5 Seconds of Summer
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Panic! At The Disco
BEST ELECTRONIC
Marshmello
BIGGEST FANS
BTS
BEST WORLD STAGE
Alessia Cara, MTV Spotlight @ Hyperplay, Singapore 2018
BEST PUSH
Grace VanderWaal (December 2017)
BEST US ACT (WORLDWIDE ACT)
Camila Cabello
