In a surprising twist, Liberian Afrobeat sensation JZyNo has taken to social media to make a passionate plea to the MTN Liberia Music Awards (MLMA) committee, this time openly requesting nominations across a string of key categories for the upcoming 2024/2025 awards cycle.
The artist, currently preparing for a U.S. tour set to kick off June 28 in Fargo, broke his silence on the MLMA this year with an unexpected post. It wasn’t just promotional, it was a direct and detailed appeal for recognition.
“Rula FC,
We are not dropping any song until we are done with our USA tour…
Since MTN Liberia Music Awards have already started discussing the 2024-2025 awards, we are posting this to tell them that we have done our part under the year of review.”
JZyNo went on to list eight categories he believes his recent work qualifies for, including:
EP/Album of the Year (Liberian Boy EP) Video of the Year (Joy, directed by Jackie Russ) Collaboration of the Year (Mood ft. Khaid) Afrobeats Song of the Year (Mood ft. Khaid) Song of the Year (Joy) Male Artist of the Year Afrobeats/Afropop Artist of the Year Artist of the Year
The post has stirred mixed reactions. While many fans appreciate JZyNo’s transparency and hustle, others are questioning his sudden interest in the awards, especially considering his past behavior.
Notably, the artist never publicly acknowledged or celebrated the two prestigious MLMA awards he won last year: Male Artist of the Year and Collaboration of the Year for “Eyes On You” featuring Ghanaian star Camidoh. Despite these accolades, JZyNo remained silent post-ceremony and instead dropped a series of cryptic posts, hinting that he had been “robbed” of key categories such as Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, titles that ultimately went to his long-standing industry rival, CIC.
The irony? He’s now requesting nomination in those exact categories.
With his new plea, the big question lingers: Will MLMA take his requests seriously, or will this public campaign backfire?
Moreover, does asking guarantee winning?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain, JZyNo isn’t playing coy anymore. He’s putting it all on the table and asking the board to see reason this time around.
Stay tuned. The nomination season just got a lot more interesting.
