South African artists Sjava, Buhlebendalo, Azana, Boity, Langa Mavuso, Big Zulu, and Bucy Radebe will perform at the 27th edition of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), which will be held virtually on 31st July, 20021.
According to the organizers of the event, the performances have been pre-recorded at a studio in Johannesburg and will be broadcast during the event on SABC 1 at 8 pm CAT. The ceremony will kick off with a red-carpet gala at 7.30 pm.
Nhlanhla Sibisi, who is the CEO of RiSA said:
“I wish to commend the team that worked tirelessly putting together the SAMA27 virtual show, our sponsors, and partners. It remained a moving target from the start until the end, but we soldiered on. Even under the stifling Level 4 lockdown regulations, the show went on; against all odds, we made it.
“I invite South Africans from all walks of life to come together, and for two hours forget about the challenges we face as a nation and the world. Let’s celebrate our culture and the musicians who have worked so hard to keep us entertained and inspired during these difficult and unpredictable times. A hearty congratulations to the winners in advance.”
Nhlanhla Sibisi
That notwithstanding, the awards will be hosted by actress, Bontle Moloi and actor, Lawrence Maleka and will be presented by local radio and TV personalities DJ Speedsta, Lamiez Holworthy, LTK, and DJ Sabby as well as podcasters MacG and Sol Phenduka.
More than 40 awards will be presented at the 2021 SAMAs, including the newly unveiled Best Amapiano Album, Best Gqom Album, and Best Kwaito Album accolades.
It is worth noting that for the first time in the history of the SAMA, the public is invited to vote for the Artist of the Year, a new category introduced in SAMA27. According to a statement by SAMA,
“The Artist of the Year honors the musician, group, or band that entertained the public in the past year as voted for by the public.
“Any South African artist is eligible to be selected by the public, provided they released a new body of work between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020. Furthermore, the artist has to agree to be bound by the rules and regulations of the SAMA”.
SAMA
The Artist of the Year category joins Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories as the third award voted for by the public exclusively. The other categories are adjudicated by a panel of expert judges.
Speaking on this development, Nhlanhla Sibisi, RiSA CEO commented: “We are absolutely delighted to present the Artist of the Year category. It’s about the people’s choice. This move is a response towards suggestions and pleas to have more public participation in the SAMA. The idea was presented to the RiSA board and after its approval, we are ready to roll it out.
“We call upon the music-loving South Africans to use this opportunity and make their voices heard. Be part of history and vote for the artist who entertained you the most in the past year It’s your choice, make it count. We look forward to a competitive race and crowning the first-ever SAMA Artist of the Year”.
Nhlanhla Sibisi
Meanwhile, the voting will be managed by an independent company and the results will be audited by PwC. There will be no shortlist of nominees and the winner will be announced on the night of the SAMA27 broadcast on SABC1.
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