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The winners have been announced at the 28th South African Music Awards (Samas). A two-day affair that happened last Saturday and Sunday. The two nights are different in as far as the Sunday production being broadcast on SABC 1.
It was a quieter affair. Even an employee at Sun City said the move to host this main event on a Sunday was maybe a misstep, and the resort was less tailored than usual.
Quite a few of the amapiano artists who bagged an award did not attend. This could be a snub of the awards. Even Blxckie wasn’t around to accept his Samas award.
The night before
Notoriously, the vibe at the Samas is more placid than the main event, and this was probably the most docile opening night we have seen at these awards. A rather flaccid affair. If this is to be the weekend local music is celebrated, then one might expect all the celebratory moments to be well curated. This was, unfortunately, not the case.
Below, watch Phumlani S Langa talk Samas at the Samas - and what he would do differently - like a new venue, and more money for artists:
It was good to see sneaker brand Drip hosting one of a multitude of parties that happened in and around these awards. The fan fair in general seemed to be less amplified this year. Not as much signage on the first evening, which was rather lifeless as it usually is.
Singer Makhadzi was spotted on the Saturday looking like she was in rehearsal mode for what turned out to be another unforgettable performance for her.
But on the whole, we spotted fewer celebrities walking about. A lot of the main hitters you might expect on the west outer were actually booked on tour, which impaired the performances on offer that were perhaps not a true reflection of this past year.
Twitter micro-blogger Phil Mphela was trolling the pool areas, speaking to media experts about all things Samas.
The night of
As the sun set and the Red albeit pinkish carpet was rolled out, the stars emerged.
DJ Cleo had what could be rather an iconic moment as he rolled down the red carpet on a black Harley Davidson.
Zakes Bantwini received a warm welcome as he strolled down the carpet in a red suit, cameras clicking rapidly.
Phantom Steez pulled up in a grey Balaklava and an icy-looking chain. Afro soul singer Berita also in red looked radiant and completely at ease despite her unfortunate situation with her husband.
The show has upped its production value and host Nandi Madida's husband, Bantwini, brought the house down with his his single Osama.
Madida and fellow host Lawrence Maleka were interrupted by Mpho Popps who provided a comedic skit, claiming to be trying to take back his job as he once hosted the awards. It made for a light hearted moment.
A few deserving artists did manage to win on the night. Shekhinah walked away with the Best Pop Album.
Best Adult Contemporary Album Platinumb Heart Open went to Msaki.
Jimmy Dludlu returned to form with his last project and won Best Jazz Album for his opus, History in a Frame. Brian Themba had seemingly reached deep in his bag and managed to garner the Best R&B/Soul Album for It’s All You.
Blxckie expectedly won the Hip-Hop Album of the year for his monster debut B4Now. The International Achiever Award went to Black Coffee; it wouldn't be right to secure a Grammy but be snubbed by the biggest music awards in the land. Samro Highest Radio Airplay Composers Award was won by Zakes Bantwini's Osama. A beautiful moment was enjoyed when the Lifetime Achiever Award was given to Joe Nina, Jimmy Dludlu and McCoy Mrubata.
Riky Rick was remembered with a meddley of songs he was involved with somehow. Given the losers we have faced this year, the tributes were plentiful but heart felt and genuine.
It is good to see the awards back but it must be noted that the arena wasn't as full as you would expect. There were quite a few empty seats but those in attendance revelled in the spectacle:
See the full list of winners below:
Samro Highest Radio Airplay Composers Award Osama by Zakes Bantwini
White Star Newcomer of the Year African Bird by Khanyisile Mthetwa
Capasso Most Streamed Song Of The Year Abalele by Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa feat. Ami Faku
Best Collaboration Osama by Zakes Bantwini
Best Duo/Group of the Year Ama Roto Vol.2 by Reece Madlisa and Zuma
Best Hip Hop Album B4Now by Blxckie
International Achiever Award Black Coffee
Lifetime Achiever Award Joe Nina, Jimmy Dludlu and McCoy Mrubata
Male artist of the Year Musique by Chymamusique
Female Artist of the Year Platinumb Heart Open by Msaki
Album of the Year Musique by Chymamusique
Best Classical/Instrumental Album African Bird by Khanyisile Mthetwa
Best Adult Contemporary Album Platinumb Heart Open by Msaki
Best African Adult Contemporary Album Cwaka by Mandisi Dyantyis
Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album Volume by Die Heuwels Fantasties
Best Traditional Album Tshihwilili Tshanga by Dr Mercy Masekona Madzivhandila
Best Reggae Album Trailblazer by Reign Africa
Best Jazz Album History in a Frame by Jimmy Dludlu
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album Sacrificial Worship (Live) by Pulane Maphari
Best Traditional Faith Music Album Vela Nkosi by Jumbo
Best African Indigenous Faith Music Album Siilapha Nkosi by NUZ Voices of Joy
Best Maskandi Album Idayimani by Thokozani Langa
Best Alternative Album Glow by Alice Phoebe Lou
Best Rock Album Partypocalpypse by Springbok Nude Girls
Best R&B/Soul Album It’s All You by Brian Temba
Best Pop Album Trouble in Paradise by Shekhinah
Beste Pop Album Niks Vergelyk by Posduif
Best Afropop Album Amagama by Nomfundo Moh
Best Produced Music Video When House was House by Mobi Dixon feat. Mariechan and Jnr SA
Best Engineered Album of The Year It Takes Three by Charl du Plessis Trio
Best Selling Artist Notumato by Young Stunna
Rest Of Africa Award If Orange Was a Place by Tems
Chairman’s Award Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Remix Of the Year Uhuru by Sun-El Musician and Azana
Best Kwaito Album Ama Roto Vol.2 by Amaroto
Best Gqom Album Umshunqo Reloaded by Dladla Mshunqisi
Best Dance Album Musique by Chymamusique
