Eku, the striking co-host is a graduate of English and Theatre from the University of Warwick and has trained as an actress at the New York Film Academy. Whether gracing the covers of magazines or interviewing stars on 53 Extra, Eku has established herself firmly in the African entertainment industry as a talent on the rise. Born Georgina Chloe Eku Edewor-Thorley in London to Nigerian and British parents, Eku’s first job in entertainment was as a production assistant to film producer, Damian Jones (The Iron Lady, Belle). It was during this time, that she struck up a close friendship with British actress, Naomie Harris (Skyfall, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) whose talent would inspire Eku to continue chasing her dream of acting. In 2006, she was cast as a contestant on the hit reality show, Britain’s Next Top Model and has since gone on to build an extensive résumé including appearing on Big Brother Africa All Stars, hosting the 2013 Miss Nigeria competition, the Elite Model Look Nigeria competitions (in 2010 and 2011) and recently wrapped shooting the movie When Love Comes Around.
“I feel incredibly blessed that I have been given a great opportunity to display how much I love what I do and I look forward to having a great night celebrating our musicians on the largest music platform in Africa.” adds an elated Eku.Hailing from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Siyabonga gained an interest in Arts from a young age and cut his teeth in the industry when he presented the pop culture magazine show Street Journal. Since then, he alongside Nonhle Thema, became the face of Vuzu when the youth channel launched in 2009 co-hosting the weekday celebrity news magazine show V Entertainment. Mbombo, as he is fondly known in his hometown, is also known for his impeccable fashion sense and in 2010 he was named GQ’s Best Dressed Man. 2011 proved to be a big year as he and his close friends and business partners – Lungile Radu, Thomas Gumede and Simphiwe Mhlongo launched their production company Parental Advisory Productions which is responsible for shows like Forever Young, Mo Love and Goal Diggerz Season 3. A few months later Scoop launched his clothing label Pieces by Pap – a street wear brand that gathers inspiration from African themes with an international feel.
“I am honoured and privileged for this awesome opportunity to be hosting Africa’s longest standing music video awards show,” says Siya.
The Channel O Africa Music Video Awards are the only public voted annual music video awards show broadcast around the continent that exclusively feature African artists. Voting is still open and closes on the 23rd of November at midnight.