Zain Kenya, with participation from MTV Networks Africa, held an informal workshop at The Loft in Nairobi to give the low down on the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMA with Zain), to be held 10 October at Indoor Arena, Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani, Nairobi.

The goals of the workshop were to encourage Kenyan artists to submit their music videos to MTV; get more Kenyan artists onto MTV base; explain ways that Kenyan artists are able to be involved in 2009 MAMA with Zain; and, to talk artists through the journey from today to 10 October 2009.

The turn-out from Kenyan artists was exceptional, with more than 20 of Kenya’s leading artists representing, including Nameless, Nonini, Wahu, Nazizi, Abbass, DNA, P Unit, Boomba Clan, Kleptomaniax, and on and on.  Why lie?  For a moment, I was overwhelmed by a sense of national pride.  Like every other Kenyan, I love our artists, I love our music – and I started daydreaming for a moment – imagining Kenyan after Kenyan on stage at 2009 MAMA with Zain to pick up their ‘MAMA’ trophy.  The first step toward that dream of course, is for Kenyan artists to submit their videos to MTV for play on MTV base.

At the workshop, MTV made a LAST CALL FOR MUSIC VIDEOS FOR 2009 AWARDS.  To qualify for the nomination cycle, an artist’s video must have been played on MTV base within the qualifying period, 16 August 2009 – 30 June 2009.  Though there is not a lot of time left, THERE IS TIME for artists to get their videos onto MTV base.

Artists should send their music videos in BETA SP/Mini DV format, plus a Video Submission Form to (in Kenya):  Arthur Kamau, 1st floor, Room 4, Chester House, Koinange Street, Nairobi. Alternatively, artists can send their videos direct to their local MTV base talent representative or to Gabby Abrahamse, MTV Networks Africa, P.O. Box 411855, Craighall, 2024, South Africa.  All videos received will be subject to MTV base’s usual terms and conditions.

Its five (5)- months and counting. We’re on the Road to 2009 MAMA with Zain!