The long awaited inaugural Amapiano awards are taking place today at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Fans will be glad to know that the award ceremony will be broadcast on SABC 1, but at a later stage.
Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela wrote on his social media that the broadcaster confirmed that the awards ceremony will be made available to watch, but will not be broadcast live, "SABC has just confirmed that they will broadcast the ceremony at a date to be announced soon," he wrote.
Viewers are disappointed though as the awards will not be live.
Hosting alongside Moshe Ndiki at the Sandton Convention Centre is Prince Kaybee's ex girlfriend and speculated baby mama Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo, comedian and YouTuber Robot Boii, and hosting the red carpet is Zanele Potelwa. Performances will be from Kamo Mphela, Boohle, Nhlanhla Nciza, Daliwonga, Nokwazi and many others.
Zola said the night will be one to remember, "Super proud to announce that I will be one of the hosts for the FIRST EVER AMAPIANO AWARDS @official_saapa . I am honored to be part of such an event that is celebrating AMAPIANO which is a revolutionary genre that has not only taken SA by storm but it's become worldly. A HUGE congratulations to all the nominees... it's going to be a night to remember."
The award's organisers in a statement said the artists' time to shine has arrived: "What somewhat started as an “underdog’s sound” has now gone on to find itself at the forefront of music culture not only in Mzansi but the rest of the continent – and the world. It therefore came as a shock to many when categories in the prominent award ceremonies in the country were not dominated by Amapiano artists - despite the yanos leading in terms of fan base and numbers on social media.
“Launched right in the midst of a pandemic when artists are being told that they can’t work. The awards show is by the people for the people and winners are voted for the people themselves. Voters can win up to 100 000 worth of prized for voting for their favourite nominees. Artists will win 10 000 cash or each winning category while song of the year will win a cash prize of 50 000 rands,” concluded the statement.
The list of nominees and the categories can be viewed here.
DJ Tira is also presenting for the Amapiano album of the year and artist of the year. He will be giving people money should they guess correctly who will take home the crown. "Who is your money on???? ...I have R1000 on each category. I will check the lucky winner after I announce the award winner on stage."
