Musically speaking, 2008 has been a year full of firsts; first it was the MTV African Music Awards, which was a big success, and, in a couple of weeks, live in London on December 27 2008, the African Music Awards (AMA) organization will present the first African Music Awards.

Aimed at promoting the diverse and rich African culture through music, it will be televised to over 10 million viewers worldwide with performances from the Continent’s giants. The AMA organizers are making sure no stones are left unturned  as they strive to make the event a night to top all nights and use the award show to raise funds for the HIV/AIDS orphans in Africa.

In a press release, Eric McKaiser, the CEO and Founder of the AMA had this to say: ” African music is the eternal bond between millions of others, like me, and our roots; mother land. Over the many years, I have observed that it is the magnificent medium of African music which is an enduring and lovable link between Africans in the diaspora and their folks back home. Be they following the latest stars and songs, or cherishing old classics. The music lovers in the UK and elsewhere are in close touch with the industry’s happenings in Africa. By staging the African Music Awards in the UK, African entertainers will get the opportunity to acquire global exposure on a greater level, whilst audiences get the opportunity to see and party with Africa’s top performers, most of whom are, so far, unknown outside of Africa”.

With the A-list music moguls, film legends, fashion gurus and football stars expected to grace the event, the African Music Awards are looking like one of the must-attend events for the holiday season.

Good luck to all the following nominees:

African artist of the year and African song of the year:

Hip-Hop Pantsula – South Africa

9ice- Nigeria

Samini- Ghana

P Sqaure- Nigeria

Best Urban Artist  of the African Origin:

Estelle – Senegal

Lemar- Nigeria

Dizee- Ghana

SWAY- Ghana

African male act of the year:

2face – Nigeria

Hip-Hop Pantsula – South Africa

Awilo – Congo

D’Banj – Nigeria

African female act of the year:

Awa – Nigeria

Zonke – South Africa

Becca – Ghana

Wahu – Kenya

African new act of the year:

9ice – Nigeria

Becca – Ghana

LS – Gabon

Kwaw Kese – Ghana

Best African music video:

P Square – Nigeria

Pro Kid – South Africa

Becca – Ghana

Mr Solek – Nigeria

To vote for your favorite artist please log on to: www.africamusicawards.com