Nonhle and KB to host the Channel O Music Video Awards

For the first time in the history of the Channel O Music Awards, VJs will host the feted Channel O Music Video Awards.

The effervescent Kabelo 'KB' Ngakane, who has been with Channel O since 1998, and his chic co-host Nonhle 'Diva' Thema, will step behind the mic as hosts of the event for the first time. The two VJs’ stage chemistry guarantees an entertaining night!

Yolisa Phahle, Channel O’s General Manager, says that the channel boasts a list of massive talent that deserves to be showcased.

'It’s simple. KB and Nonhle have all the talent and profile to match any outsider. We want to take ownership of the event and have it more integrated from a channel perspective with faces that our audiences identify with'.

The multi-talented VJs boast impressive resumes.

The 'Diva' has presented O Access- a show that took her to the United States where she interviewed celebrated names in the R&B and hip-hop industry, Street Bangers, which showcases the hottest top 5 music videos, and Channel O’s top entertainment show O-Boma. Nonhle says she is surprised to be chosen as a co-host. 'It’s a wonderful surprise. It is a real honour for me having been with the channel for 4 and a half years to be chosen as a reflection of Channel O’s African spirit'.

Fondly known as Krazy Boy, KB needs no introduction - he is fresh, funky, energetic and highly entertaining. Apart from being O’s longest standing VJ and having presented shows like Hola, Urban Massive, One Drop and O-Boma, he is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for South and Eastern Africa too. KB says he is excited to be celebrating Africa’s music yet again. 'It is always great to work with professionals that we have at Channel O, like Nonhle, and it is also a great honour to be chosen as a host after 10 years with the channel'.

Fans also stand the chance to win great prizes this year. Double VIP tickets - which include flights and accommodation to the awards event, four Casio keyboards, a Playstation 3, three watch sets and four cash prizes of US$1000 are up for grabs when anyone votes in the Channel O Music Video Awards.

Viewers across Africa will be able to vote for the winner in the 13 different categories - excluding the Special Recognition category - from 24 July at 17:00 until 24 September. They can vote via SMS, using the number +27839208400 (standard international SMS rates will apply) or cast their votes for free on the Channel O website [www.channelo.tv] - where all the nominees’ videos are loaded, giving fans a great chance to refresh their memories about just which artist deserves the ultimate accolade!

Phahle says that Channel O masses can help put their favourite artist in line to win an award simply by voting. 'In the end fans can’t complain if their favourite loses out because those who win have done so because their fans and country have mobilized behind them and got voting. The fact that it is free to vote online makes it even more accessible so fans need to make use of the time left to get voting!'

The Channel O Music Video Awards is unique in the sense that it’s distinctly African and that the winners are entirely chosen by the viewing public across the continent, and not by a panel of judges. The Channel O Music Video Awards are also the first Pan-African television awards ceremony to celebrate distinctly African music.

The live event will take place on Thursday 9 October 2008 in Johannesburg at Carnival City and will be broadcast Thursday 23 October on Channel O (DStv Channel 320).