On Sunday, the MTV EMAs will take place in Manchester, England, where hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes is set to receive the prestigious Global Icon Award. Rhymes, a 12-time Grammy Award nominee with over 10 million albums sold, will also grace the EMA stage with a performance featuring a medley of his greatest hits.
Expressing his gratitude, Rhymes shared that he feels deeply honored by this recognition, viewing the award as a tribute to hip-hop culture. “Receiving this acknowledgment on such a global platform reminds me that Hip Hop knows no boundaries — and neither do I!” he stated in a press release.
This year’s ceremony will be hosted for an unprecedented third time by British singer Rita Ora. Taylor Swift tops the nominations list for the second consecutive year, earning seven nods, which include categories such as best artist, best video, best pop, and biggest fans.
Other notable nominees alongside Swift include pop powerhouse Ariana Grande, acclaimed Billie Eilish, vibrant Charli XCX, and rising star Sabrina Carpenter.
In a special celebration of their 40-year career, the iconic British duo Pet Shop Boys will receive the inaugural Pop Pioneers Award. They are also scheduled to perform, collaborating with local orchestra Manchester Camerata.
Additional performers on the night will include viral sensation Benson Boone, K-Pop group Le Sserafim, Mexican artist Peso Pluma, British singer Raye, multi-platinum star Shawn Mendes, American vocalist Teddy Swims, rock sisters the Warning from Mexico, and South African singer Tyla.
Worthy presenters for the evening’s awards include hip-hop legend LL Cool J, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, mother-daughter musical duo Neneh Cherry and Mabel, as well as notable film and television actors such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Lucien Laviscount.
The 2024 MTV EMA will be broadcast live on MTV and various streaming platforms, making it accessible to viewers in over 150 countries, straight from Manchester’s Co-op Live.
