On Sunday evening, the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) winners were revealed. Among the celebrated artists, Caribbean rap superstar Nicki Minaj and Afrobeats’ rising sensation Rema stood out for their remarkable achievements. Despite the event’s cancellation due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the complete list of winners was made public.
Taylor Swift, having had a remarkable year with her rerecorded albums and the record-breaking Eras Tour, clinched three awards, including Best Video, Best Artist, and Best Live. She also earned two nominations for Best Song with “Anti-Hero” and Best Pop Artist. Nicki Minaj, nominated for three awards, secured two wins, particularly in the Best Hip Hop Artist and Best U.S. Act categories. She was also a nominee for the coveted Best Artist award.
Jung Kook, a prominent South Korean singer, also made his mark by winning two awards, one for Best Song in collaboration with Latto for their track “Seven” and the other for Best K-Pop Artist. Nigerian music sensation Divine Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, garnered the title of “Best Afrobeats.” This recognition showcases his growing influence in the global music scene.
Although the 2023 MTV EMAs were initially scheduled for November 5 in Paris, France, they were cancelled due to concerns about global events. Paramount, the event organizers, made the difficult decision to prioritize the safety of employees, crew members, artists, fans, and partners, considering the volatile world situation.