The ceremony was sponsored by Joburg Tourism, in partnership and association with Absolut, Google, MTN and DStv. It celebrated African talent across 18 award categories, including Best Male, Best Female, Best Song and Best Collaboration. The contribution of artists from Portuguese and French-speaking countries were also recognised in the Best Lusophone and Best Francophone categories. Additional categories included the Africa Re-Imagined Award and Personality of the Year. The nominees were revealed on 21 September in Johannesburg and on 2 October in Lagos. [3]