Bilbao (Spain), Shillong-based Big-Ri & Meba Ofilia won the Best India Act for their song “Done Talking” at the 2018 Europe Music Awards (EMA), where American-Cuban singer-songwriter Camila Cabello scooped four honours.
The gala was held on Sunday at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
Big-Ri is one of the founders of hip-hop group Khasi Bloodz, while Meba Ofilia has been stirring quite a buzz with her style, which is rooted in hip-hop and R&B.
Ofilia wrote on Instagram for their fans: “Big-Ri and I are so so so grateful! We have a long long way to go and trust me, we wouldn’t have been able to do this without you. Thanks for the love and support everyone.”
Representing the Indian music scene with their innovative and original music videos, the Best India Act category also saw nominees like Raja Kumari ft. Divine (“City Slums”), Monica Dogra and Curtain Blue (“Spell”), Skyharbor (“Dim”) and Nikhil D’Souza (“Silver and Gold”).
As for the main categories, Camila walked away with the Best Artist nod, apart from the Best Song and Best Video accolades for “Havana” and best US/Worldwide Act.
Nicki Minaj won two awards — Best Hip Hop and Best Look — and was among the star performers along with Hailee Steinfeld and Janet Jackson.
The 2018 EMAs opened with an act by Minaj, who performed “Good Form” flawlessly before being joined on stage by Little Mix for a performance of their hit, “Woman Like Me”.
Steinfeld took the stage as the night’s host and a performer. She broke into an art gallery and let herself be spray painted by robots all for the sake of the EMA, and in between, she performed her newest hit “Back To Life”.
Halsey performed “Without Me”, while Jack & Jack’s performance of “Rise” was the trippiest sight of the night as the two floated above the stage with a whirlpool, black hole-looking-thing in the background, read a statement.
Jason Derulo, David Guetta and Minaj combined forces to put on one of the most extra and most memorable performances of the night.
This year’s Global Icon Award winner Janet Jackson stole the show with her fierce entrance and barefoot performance of “Made For Now”, “Rhythm Nation” and “All For You”. She also used her Global Icon platform to give a powerful speech about women’s rights. She asked viewers to embrace a spirit that “recognizes the dignity of all people and affirms the beauty of all faiths.”
Bebe Rexha went all out with her performance of “I’m a Mess” featuring 100 dancers.
The grand finale saw Anne-Marie, Marshmello and Bastille take the stage to perform “Friends” and “Happier.” Their performance and the show ended with a confetti-filled bang.
