SAMA 27 celebrates local stars in style
It's often said that an artist’s true success lies in the loving support from fans.
For Blaq Diamond, that statement rang true last night as they were awarded the Artist of the Year gong - the first of its kind award category for the South African Music Awards (SAMA, now in its 27th installment.
The prestigious annual music celebration was staged last Saturday as a one-night virtual extravaganza, under the ‘new normal’, and saw over 40 awards being handed over to stars that made great strides in the industry this past year.
And while Blaq Diamond’s honour is a big feat, including their feature win on Miss Pru’s Price To Pay taking the Music Video of the Year award, all eyes were on Kabza De Small who had the upper hand and walked away with four gongs.
Kabza collaborated with DJ Maphorisa on Scorpion Kings in 2019 and that earned them the Album of the Year award, also taking the Duo or Group of the Year and the Best Amapiano Album for Once Upon A Time In Lockdown. His solo project I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust bagged him the Male Artist of the Year award, cementing that he really is the king of amapiano.
The night dished out over 40 awards including the internationally acclaimed Master KG who took home the International Achiever Award for his hit Jerusalema featuring Nomcebo and also the SAMRO Composer Highest Airplay award, shared with equally prolific Nomcebo Zikode.
Gospel star Bucy Radebe bagged two awards, the White Star Newcomer of the Year and Best Traditional Faith Album for Spiritual Encounter, while multilingual artist Sho Madjozi scooped the Best Traditional Album and SofnFree Female Artist of the Year.
The Best Hip-Hop Album award was snatched by Nasty C while Zinaro reigned supreme in the Best Gqom Album.
First-time SAMA award winners include the Ndlovu Youth Choir, who won themselves the Best Adult Contemporary Album for Rise and newcomers Reece Madlisa and Zuma bagged the Best Kwaito Album for the Ama Roto EP. Legend PJ Powers was also awarded her first-ever SAMA award in 42 years of her music career, bagging the Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside Lebo M and Dr. Lindelani Mkhize.
The pre-recorded show was staged in Johannesburg under strict Covid-19 level 4 lockdown protocols, hosted by Lawrence Maleka and Bontle Modiselle Moloi, where the night saw an array of performances from artists Langa Mavuso, Sjava, Buhlebendalo, Big Zulu, Bucy Radebe, Azana, and Boity.
@AmandaMaliba