ONE of Durban's finest has emerged a winner at the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards at the Eko Hotel Conference Centre on the Victoria Island in Nigeria.

I was part of the South African delegation that descended on this vibrant part of west Africa to witness the best there is on the African music scene.

Believe me when I say that when our boys won it was one of those really emotive moments. I don't blame Big Nuz for being overcome with excitement as he received his MTV Award for Best Performance.

Big Nuz said: "Can I thank the mamas. Can I thank God. Can I thank MTV. Can I thank the fans", at which stage I was tempted to shout out that he definitely could because it was his night.

Intent on staying at the top, Liquid Deep, a relatively new group that is taking the music scene by storm, made a good showing when they snatched the coveted Song of the Year from popular west African bands. For newcomers, the duo is really kicking butt not only here but also on the continent.

The last time I saw him he was looking under the weather and I was concerned because I had just run a story about his being dressed up to the nines and perched on a bright hued sports car. On Saturday night he looked healthy and brimmed with life, dressed in a red shirt. I am talking about Nigeria's blue-eyed boy, the tenacious and consistent 2Face Idbia.

It was no surprise when he scooped another highly contested award, The Best Male category. The charming singer who also happens to be a stunning dresser, has been consistent by staying at the top of his game. He started with the Plantation Boys until he emerged as a solo act. He gave a sterling performance when he eventually took to the stage later in the evening.

Another charmer who rocked the awards was Fally Ipupa when he gyrated, shaking his waist like only men from Francophne countries can. Is it therefore surprising that he walked away with the Best Francophone category? I wonder how he escaped the throngs of female fans who not only posed with him but were shopping by feeling the goodies in his trolley. You don't shake and gyrate like that and expect there will be no takers.

Exciting moment

The beauty of the awards is that most of the winners got onto the stage to perform. Personally, I am excited by the narrowing gap between us and our African brothers and sisters. It's about time, otherwise legends like Miriam Makeba will have toiled in vain.

Even, former stripper and one of the US's popular singers, Eve, rocked the party. She must have made a lot of money at the clubs with that body and moves. I really liked her after witnessing just how accessible she is. Hip-hop star Rick Ross also moved the lovers of the genre, while possibly earning more fans in the process.

Iconic and legendary singer the late Makeba, who was affectionately referred to as Mama Africa, was posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award. It was presented by Chuck D, one of Public Enemy's crew. It was one of the most sobering and yet exciting moments of the awards as the woman who sang into the world's heart, creating awareness about apartheid and its evils was remembered.

She was also introduced to the youth to appreciate her and recognise just how important she was to Africa and the world even in death. Well done, Alex Okosi! You rock Naija Boy!

The awards attracted the likes of Angola's Tatiana, the sexy siren of Big Brother All Africa (2008) and Big Brother All Stars (2010).

The inaugural MAMAs were held in Abuja, Nigeria. The second event was in Kenya last year, while this year they found their way back to Nigeria. Rumour has it that the awards will find their way to South Africa next year. You have not partied until you party in Lagos. Brother Goodluck Jonathan's country is lekker, or kanjani ...