With the SAMAs done and dusted Universal Music Group Africa (UMGA) have released a statement proudly announcing that they were the biggest winners of the night as the label's artists walked away with 13 awards in total.
Sipho Dlamini, the managing director of Universal Music Group Africa (South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa) said,
"We’re quite pleased by the recognition our artists received this past weekend at the SAMAs. Universal Music is committed to the production of quality music and the development and upliftment of the music industry. This past weekend’s wins bear testament of that commitment. We would like to extend our felicitations to all our winners and to the nominees, well done, we’re proud of you," said Dlamini.
This tally makes the stable the most awarded label at the awards. They went to the event with a staggering 43 nominations.
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Renowned DJ Black Coffee was one of the big winners when he took home two gongs for the coveted Male Artist of the Year for his album Music is King as well as Best Collaboration Award for the single Drive featuring David Guetta and Delilah Montagu.
Rapper Nasty C’s album For Strings and Bling earned him a double winner for Best Hip Hop Album and Best Produced Album of the Year Award.
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Proving her wide appeal and resonance with music lovers, Lady Zamar walked away with two trophies for SAMRO's Highest Airplay of the Year Award and Samro/Capasso Highest Airplay Composer Award all thanks to Collide, her chart-topping smash hit.
Other victories from the company saw Tresor announced as a winner in the Best Pop Album category, for a record third time in a row at the SAMA.
Zakwe’s remix of Sebentin featuring Cassper Nyovest, HHP, Blaklez, Kwesta and Musiholiq also clinched the Remix of the Year Award. Kwaito veteran Spikiri showed off his staying power when he lifted the Best Kwaito/Gqom/Amapiano Album Award for King Don Father.
In the traditional sounds front Candy bagged the Best Traditional Album award for her release Hupenyu Unenge Viri while Sgwebo Sentambo reigned supreme in the Best Maskandi Album for Yekani Umona.
The Rest of Africa Award went to UMGA’s East Africa artist, Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania for A Boy From Tandale.
To top it off the legendary Motswako rapper Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his sterling contribution in the music industry.
