Sarkodie, the only Ghanaian artist nominated in the upcoming December 11 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) with Airtel, has been announced as one of the performers for the event in Lagos, Nigeria. Joining the previously announced stellar line-up of performers will be Sasha (Nigeria), Barbara Kanam (DRC), Radio & Weasel (Uganda), Paul G (Angola), The Parlotones (South Africa), J.Martins (Nigeria) and Diamond (Tanzania).

Nigerian hip hop queen Sasha and Congolese singer-songwriter Barbara Kanam (DRC) are both hot contenders in this year’s “Best Female” award category, while Sarkodie representing Ghana in the “Best Anglophone” category – is hoping to emulate fellow countryman Samini’s 2009 win for “Best Live” performance.  To vote for Sarkodie, text BA Sarkodie to Airtel short code 6262.

Ugandan dancehall chart-toppers Radio & Weasel are challenging P-Square (Nigeria), P-Unit (Kenya) and Teargas (South Africa) for the “Best Group” crown.  Angolan rapper Paul G is competing in the “Best Anglophone” category while South African indie rock heroes The Parlotones and Nigeria’s composer-producer-performer J.Martins are both doing battle for “Best Video”. Diamond, the celebrated R’n’B artist from Tanzania is pitched against Muthoni (Kenya), JoJo (Gabon) and Mo Cheddah (Nigeria) for the MAMA “Brand:New” award.

Among the many guest presenters gracing the podium at the Eko Expo Hall on 11 December will be Nigerian comedian Julius Agwu and South African ‘It Girl’ and socialite Khani Mbau. Previously announced performers include Rick Ross (USA), P-Unit (Kenya), Jozi (South Africa), Wande Coal (Nigeria), DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast), 2FACE (Nigeria), Daddy Owen (Kenya), Banky W (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Teargas (South Africa) and Cabo Snoop (Angola).

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 is sponsored by Airtel in association with MasterCard. Other partners supporting the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel include Arik Air and the Lagos State Government.