The MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 took place on 7 June 2014, at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC Arena). The awards aired live across Africa on MTV Base and MTV. The ceremony was sponsored by KwaZulu-Natal Province, Absolut and the City of Durban.^[1][2][3][4] The show was hosted by American comedian and actor Marlon Wayans.^[5] The ceremony featured performances from artists such as Miguel, Trey Songz, Flavour N'abania, French Montana, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Oskido, Professor, Diamond Platnumz, Phyno, Yuri Da Cunha, Sauti Sol, Sarkodie, Ice Prince, The Arrows, Khuli Chana, Dr SID, Fally Ipupa, Michael Lowman, Don Jazzy, DJ Clock, Beatenberg, DJ Kent, Big Nuz, Toofan, D'Banj, DJ Vigi, DJ Tira, DJ Buckz, and Burna Boy.^[6][7][8] On 27 May 2014, the nominees for the MTV Base Leadership Award were announced.^[9] On 28 May, MTV Base revealed Drake, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, and Miley Cyrus as the nominees for the Best International Act category.^[10] Davido and Mafikizolo received the most nominations with four each. Mi Casa and P-Square received three nominations. Diamond Platnumz and Wizkid were nominated twice for both Best Male and Best Collaboration.

Marlon Wayans wore a bead-studded rickshaw, and was cheered on by the crowd. Throughout the event, he portrayed an American reporter who stereotyped African talent during staged interviews. Mafikizolo won two trophies and performed their song "Khona", alongside Flavour N'abania, Sauti Sol, and Fally Ipupa. Davido took home two awards for Artist of the Year and Best Male. Tiwa Savage toppled Efya, Chidinma, Arielle T, and DJ C’ndo for the Best Female award. Afro-soul songstress Simphiwe Dana paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela by performing in front of a giant timelapse video artwork created by Transform Today nominee Rasty. The kidnapping of the Nigerian school girls was also addressed during the ceremony. Ladysmith Black Mambazo received great applause for performing "Acappello" and "Y-tjukutja". Lupita Nyong'o won the Personality of the Year award; a clip of her acceptance speech was aired during the ceremony. American musicians Miguel, French Montana, and Trey Songz performed their hit songs. Celebrity guests attending the event included Khloé Kardashian, D'Banj, Nomzamo Mbatha, Goldfish, DJ Fresh, John Vlismas, Kajal Bagwandeen, Emmanuel Adebayor, Wema Sepetu, Minnie Dlamini, Sizwe Dhlomo, Dorcas Shola Fapson, DJ C’ndo, Efya and Riaad Moosa.^[11][12][13]

BET International premiered the show on June 12. The show was broadcast internationally in summer 2014.^[14]

The nomination party was held at The Sands in Johannesburg. Nominations were revealed by Nomuzi Mabena, Sizwe Dhlomo, Alex Okosi, Tim Horwood, and Shirley Mabiletja.^[15]