Marlon Wayans to host the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards on 7 June

Viacom International Media Networks International Africa (VIMN Africa) has oddly chosen an American, not someone living in Africa, as the official host of the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA‘s) taking place in Durban on 7 June, with the American comedian Marlon Wayans who will visit South Africa to preside over the awards show.

The MTV Africa Music Awards is returning to MTV Base after a three year absence and is set to take place at the International Convention Centre in Durban on 7 June.

VIMN Africa didn’t immediately respond to a media enquiry seeking comment as to why an American host was selected for an award show aimed at celebrating African music and pan-African talent.

“Marlon Wayans is a hugely popular entertainment figure known and loved by African audiences from The Wayans Brothers and his various movie roles. His irreverent humour and infectious energy will definitely make him a great host for the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards,” says Alex Okosi, the senior vice president and managing director of VIMN Africa.

The 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards will be shown live on MTV Base (DStv 322) and MTV (DStv 130) on 7 June at 8pm, as well as on tape delay on BET. A one hour special, MTV World Stage will also be broadcast.

The 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards will include performances by R&B star Miguel, hip-hop artist French Montana, Nigerian artists Davido, Flavour and Tiwa Savage, as well as South Africa’s Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Oskido and Professor.