While some fans have been calling for Phat Joe to host the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) after the shocking announcement of Trevor Noah's withdrawal from the awards show, others took the opportunity to resurrect a topic that has created a firm divide in Mzansi, insisting that established famous faces should #OpenUpTheIndustry.


After MTV made the announcement that Bonang Matheba would be taking over the hosting duties from an ill Trevor, many took to Twitter to share their conflicting thoughts regarding the broadcaster's decision.

"We are tired of her face" was a constant theme in the messages of those who were unimpressed that Bonang would be hosting this year's MAMAs.



And it was only a matter of time until the #OpenUpTheIndustry debate was brought back from the edge of death, with users lashing out and questioning why MTV had chosen a well-known celebrity, instead of looking for fresh talent.



Trevor only made the announcement that he will no longer be gracing South African shores on Friday morning. He has a severe respiratory and ear infection and said doctors ordered him to get bed rest.
Understandably, this gave organisers very little time to find a replacement. Given the mammoth magnitude of the awards show, other users pointed out that it would be a huge risk to take a TV novice, in an attempt to #OpenUpTheIndustry, to host the MAMAs. Therefore, they argued that Bonang is one of very few people who would be able to present the show given less than 24hours to prepare.
This sparked a debate that saw the hashtag #OpenUpTheIndustry topping the trends list.