South Africa’s most prestigious music awards event, the SA Music Awards (SAMA) return for its 28th year by announcing that entries are open for the 2022 instalment.
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Musicians and artists who are eligible for a SAMA consideration are invited to submit their body of work. To qualify, music must be released between 1 February 2021 and 31 January 2022.
The SAMAs are open to RiSA members and non-RiSA members. In the past five years, the SAMAs have seen a marked and sustained increase in the number of entries, up from 400 in 2016 to over 1000 in 2021
The SAMAs honour and appreciate the best across the South African music landscape delivered by individual artists or groups. Popularity is not a criterion, but quality and distinction. Entries are open from today until midnight on 31 January 2022.
RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi commented: “It gives us great pleasure to see the SAMA maintain its longest run as an award ceremony of stature. We call on all creatives to submit their amazing works for the consideration of our panel of judges. 2021 has seen some great milestones, the growth of Amapiano and South African Artists making strides on the international stages. We look forward to SAMA28, which we hope will be a physical event, after the challenges of SAMA26 and SAMA27 which were delivered amidst a global pandemic. We remain dedicated and committed to providing the best platform on which SA music can shine and be recognised for its excellence.”
The 27th edition of the prestigious awards took place in July. In the history of the SA Music Awards, Blaq Diamond was the first outfit ever to be crowned Artist of the Year. The Durban duo emerged head and shoulders above others when they attracted the biggest number of votes in a category voted for by the public in a star-studded show.
Kabza De Small reigned supreme. He walked away with four gongs, the biggest number by 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. His solo effort I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust brought him Male Artist of the Year gong.
The internationally acclaimed 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 monster hit Jerusalema featuring Nomcebo.
Nhlanhla Sibisi, RiSA CEO congratulated everyone “A big congratulations to the SAMA27 winners. They have carved their names into the history books of South African music, what a proud moment. We at RiSA and SAMA strive to shine the light on local talent and will continue to do so. Even in the face of adversity and the devastating blow of the Covid-19 pandemic, the show had to go on and it did so well. SAMA27 has been a great success thanks to the support from our sponsors, partners and suppliers. The music industry itself and the general public of South Africa have also contributed immensely. Here’s to an even bigger SAMA28. Till then, be safe.”
Head over to the SAMA website www.samusicawards.co.za for more information on the entry process that allows for online entries only.
Image Cred: Twitter