DJ Khaled, an American record executive and musician, has been announced as the international host for the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) to hold in Kampala, Uganda.

Organisers of the star-studded award event broke the news in a statement on Friday.

The MAMA Kampala 2021 event will celebrate African talent across 20 award categories, including ‘Best Male’, ‘Best Female’, ‘Best Song’, and ‘Best Collaboration’ over the past year.

The contribution of artists from Portuguese and French-speaking Africa will also be recognised in the ‘Best Lusophone’ and ‘Best Francophone’ categories.

The event is to air globally via MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV Africa (DStv Channel 130) on February 20 at 8:00 pm (WAT) across 180 countries.

Khaled will host the virtual awards ceremony from his home in Miami, Florida alongside his African co-emcees.

“MTV has always been a great partner so I jumped at the opportunity to host this year’s MAMAs,” the hip hop star said.

“I can’t wait to celebrate the incredible music that comes out of Africa, which has inspired me throughout my career.”

The nominees for the ‘Artist of the Year’ are Burna Boy, Calema, Diamond Platnumz, Master KG, Davido, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid.

Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming and events for ViacomCBS Media Networks, added: “With Grammy-winning DJ Khaled at the helm, we’re certain this will be an incredible, must-see global event.

“Africa is home to some of the world’s most dynamic talent and we’re excited to spotlight these artists as the MAMAs broadcast in 180 countries for the first time in MTV history.”