The MTV European Music Awards (EMAs), which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 5, in Paris, has been cancelled “given the volatility of world events”, particularly happenings in Israel and Gaza.
LEADERSHIP had earlier reported that organisers of the EMAs introduced a new category to the Awards called ‘Best Afrobeats’ with pioneer nominees such as French superstar, Aya Nakamura, and Nigerian singers, Asake, Arya Starr, Burna Boy, Davido and Rema.
However, the 2023 MTV EMAs has been cancelled over the volatile situation in Israel.
According to Billboard, a spokesperson said in a statement that: “Given the volatility of world events, we have decided not to move forward with the 2023 MTV EMAs out of an abundance of caution for the thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans and partners who travel from all corners of the world to bring the show to life.
“The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of global music. As we watch the devastating events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration. With thousands of lives already lost, it is a moment of mourning. We look forward to hosting the MTV EMAs again in November of 2024 cancelled since it was launched in 1994. Even during the pandemic, the show went on as scheduled.”
Nigerian superstar, Rema, was among the artistes who were set to perform live at the show, which was to have broadcast live on MTV in more than 150 countries on Sunday, November 5, from Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
