The 25th South African Music Awards (SAMAs) took place at Sun City in Rustenburg, North West. Six hosts, two from each decade, were chosen for this milestone. The 90s were representative by radio stars Bob Mabena and Melanie Bala as they recreated their TV partnership, rapper Khuli Chana and Lesedi FM host Twasa Seoke for the 2000s, and to show how it’is done these days, were comedian Mpho Popps and actress Nomzamo Mbatha.
Memorable performances were given by Sho Madjozi, Kelly Khumalo, DJ Sumbody, Dladla Mshunqisi, DJ Tira and Distruction Boyz, Sun-El Musician and Mobi Dixon. There was also a lot of reminiscing through the performances of Bongo Maffin, Thebe, Trompies and Freshly Ground (Zolani). Lifetime Achievement recognition was bestowed on the late Motswako hip-hop proponent HHP, kwaito and guz pioneers TKZee, and the iconic band Mango Groove.
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Some of the celebrated winners on the night was Sho Madjozi who took Best Newcomer and Female artist, while Sjava scooped up the prestigious Album of the Year and Best Afro Pop Album awards. DJ Black Coffee was another double winner for Male Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration Award with David Guetta for Drive. The highly contested Best Hip Hop Album award went to Nasty C for his Strings and Bling and Black Motion with Moya wa Taola won Best Dance Album and Duo/Group of the Year. Tresor’s Nostalgia earned him Best Pop Album and the public voted that Deeper by Holly Rey as The Record of the Year.
The biggest winners of the 25th SAMA Awards was Joyous Celebration with three awards for the SAMRO/CAPASSO Best Selling Digital Artist (Composer’s Award), Best Selling DVD and Best Selling Artist categories. There was also a big win for Kwato veteran Spikiri after he beat stiff competition to clinch Best Kwaito/Gqom/Amapiano Album proving his staying power.
