South African hip-hop duo, Blaq Diamond made history as the first artists to ever be crowned ‘Artist of the Year’ at the South African Music Awards.
In a star-studded show broadcast on SABC1 yesternight, the Durban duo emerged winners after they attracted the highest number of votes in the category voted for by the public.
That notwithstanding, Matthew Mole’s ‘Keep It Together’ took the ‘Record of the Year’ award while Miss Pru’s ‘Price To Pay’ featuring Blaq Diamond and Malome Vector won the ‘Music Video of the Year award’.
From ‘king of Amapiano’ to ‘king of SAMA27’, South African artiste, Kabza De Small reigned supreme as he walked away with four awards, the highest number of awards for a single artist this year followed by DJ Maphorisa with three.
Kabza De Small’s collaboration with DJ Maphorisa as ‘Scorpion Kings’, earned them Album of the Year, Duo or Group of the Year, and Best Amapiano Album for ‘Once Upon A Time In Lockdown’.
Also, Kabza De Small’s solo song, ‘I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust’ brought him the ‘Male Artist of the Year Award’.
Nonetheless, worldwide renowned musician, Master KG took home the ‘SAMRO Composer Highest Airplay’ award that he shares with Nomcebo Zikode. Furthermore, he won the ‘International Achiever Award’ for his biggest hit ‘Jerusalema’ featuring Nomcebo.
Nevertheless, Gospel star, Bucy Radebe bagged two trophies, the ‘White Star Newcomer of the Year’ and ‘Best Traditional Faith Album for Spiritual Encounter’.
Sho Madjozi proved her versatility when she scooped the ‘Best Traditional Album’ and ‘Sofnfree Female Artist of the Year.
The ‘Best Hip-Hop Album’ award was snatched by ace rapper, Nasty C while Zinaro reigned supreme in the ‘Best Gqom Album’.
Well, the SAMA27 virtual show was recorded in a Johannesburg studio under strict Covid-19 level 4 lockdown protocols.
The proudly South African celebration showcased only the best in local entertainment and showed off a star-studded lineup of celebrity features.
Hosts Lawrence Maleka and Bontle Modiselle Moloi were also a joy to watch as they hosted the show with much zeal.
Performers such as Langa Mavuso, Sjava, Buhlebendalo, Big Zulu, Riky Rick, Intamba Yase Dubai, Bucy Radebe, Azana, Boity, Reece Madlisa, and Zuma delivered some memorable performances.
Some of the presenters on the bill were radio and TV personalities DJ Speedsta, Lamiez Holworthy, and DJ Sabby, podcasters MacG and Sol Phenduka, Miss Soweto Thobile Steyn, Radio 2000’s Glen Lewis, Ukhozi FM’s Bheka Mchunu and MotswedingFM’s Ltk.
It is worth noting that over 40 awards were handed out yesternight.
Congratulating the winners, Dichaba Phalatse, SABC Video Entertainment Marketing Manager applauded: “We want to thank South Africa for always supporting artists and for voting for this year’s winners. Congratulations to all the winners and continue putting out great work”.
SAMPRA Chief Stakeholder Officer, Tiyani Maluleke also said: “For as long as there is life on Earth, the work of an artist will never be done. Our hope is that all users of music recognize the critical role that your craft plays in society and pay for this use.
“As a sponsor of the ‘SAMAs Record of the Year’, we want you to know that SAMPRA, Africa’s number 1 CMO, will continue to promote recorded music and ensure justice in the administration of Needle time Rights and payment of royalties because we believe in what you do and we believe that you should get what is due to you. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners”.
Tiyani Maluleke
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