by Thinus Ferreira
Paramount Global has put a stop to several of its events for 2025, including the 2025 edition of the MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMAs) ahead of its possibly buyout by Sundance.
American media report that Paramount is halting the MTV EMAs in 2025, along with some of its other awards shows like the CMT Music Awards, the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Mexico and the MTV MIAWs which won't be taking place this year either.
Paramount Africa had a tie-in of sorts the last few years with the MTV EMAs.
The MTV EMAs added the category of Best Africa Act since 2005 for a few years - which was discontinued, and then added back in since 2010 for the MTV EMAs.
This happened because Paramount Africa started the MTV Africa Music Awards and spun out the award for the MAMAs, but then the MAMAs got cancelled and indefinitely postponed due to a lack of money, prompting the return of the category back to the MTV EMAs to keep Africa represented.
In some years past, Paramount Africa used to send some South African media, as well as some influencers, to the MTV EMAs as the event jumped from year to year to various European countries although they didn't really do much there as they would travel with nominated artists from the continent who went to go attend the awards.
Last week Bruce Gillmer, Paramount's president, music, music talent, programming and events, media networks and chief content officer, music, Paramount+, in a memo, told Paramount Global staff the MTV EMAs is off the schedule for 2025.
"We are pausing a few events for 2025, as we look to reimagine and optimise our events slate going forward," he wrote.
"These include the MTV EMAs, MTV MIAWs, Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Mexico, and CMT Music Awards."
"Our world-class events remain a key component of Paramount's music offering as we continue to raise the bar in delivering iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture."
"We have the best team in the business, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication in bringing these events to life."
In November 2024 at last year's MTV Europe Music Awards in Manchester, England, South Africa's Tyla won three awards, including Best African Act, Best R&B and the Best Afrobeats category.
