by ‘Ifreke Inyang

Nigeria’s hottest pop act, Dbanj was nowhere to be found at the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards, perhaps confirming reports that he had turned back from the airport after discovering he was booked in Economy, but still Nigeria had a fine day out at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The event was expertly anchored by South African presenter, Dineo and Nigeria’s multi award winning Banky W. The nomination list was dominated by Nigerian acts – 15 of them were nominated in the 14 categories. At the end of the day it was Iceprince Zamani, Darey, Naeto C and Banky W that picked up the awards.

D’Banj was honoured with a Special Recognition Award, and he sent an acceptance message via satellite – after a tribute video that featured commentary by Don Jazzy, Dr. Sid, Jesse Jagz, Kabelo and others. He joins an exclusive league of past winners like George Lee (2008), Brenda Fassie (2009) and K’NAAN (2010).

Highlights of the event were electric performances by Lizha James, Tiwa Savage (who gave the boys something to think about with a little more than cleavage!), Navio, Flavour and Cabo Snoop. And Flavour made the girls go wild!

A full list of the winners:

Most Gifted Dance Video: Darey- Ba Ni Ki Di

Most Gifted Kwaito Video: The Dogg- This Is My Time

Most Gifted African West Video: Naeto C- 10 Over 10

Most Gifted Newcomer Video: Ice Prince/ Brymo- Oleku

Most Gifted Video Of The Year: Zakes Bantwini- Wasting My Time

Most Gifted Hip Hop Video: AKA- Victory Lap

Most Gifted Male Video: D’Banj ft. Snoop Dogg- Mr Endowed (Remix)

Most Gifted Female Video: Lira: Phakade

Most Gifted Duo, Group or Featuring Video: HHP, Teargas & Liquideep- Born For This

Most Gifted Afro Pop Video: Theo- Ukhona

Most Gifted African Southern Video: Liquideep- Settle For Less

Most Gifted R&B Video: Banky W ft. M.I.- Feeling It

Most Gifted African East Video: Keko, Radio & Weasel- How We Do It (Remix)

Most Gifted Ragga Dancehall Video: Samini- Dadiekye