The Highs and the Lows of SAMA 30
On the 2nd to the 4th of November 2024, Mzansi’s premium music award ceremony, the South African Music Awards (SAMA), celebrated their 30th anniversary at the Gallagher Convention Centre with an extravagant red-carpet show preceding the main show. Hosted by Minnie Dlamini and blessed with a stellar performance set list, the multi-night show had its ups and downs, with this year’s edition suffering a delay caused by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development suddenly pulling out, leaving the 30th edition in limbo.
The show went on ahead in spite of many hiccups along the way. SAMA 30 was a ceremony of the good, the bad, and the downright unthinkable.
When the Past and the Present Met
The SAMA 30 had an extensive list of main show performers, which included the old and new school. From hip-hop being represented by the likes of Best Hip-Hop Album winners such as Priddy Ugly, Emtee, and Skwatta Kamp to Kwaito and Gqom raising their heads thanks to Arthur Mafokate, Babes Wodumo, and Thebe, the show was an even mingle of fresh talent and legends from back in the day.
By sourcing musicians whose songs are now relics and having them share the stage with the biggest names in the music scene of contemporary South Africa, the show not only became a trip down memory lane but a reminder of the consistent growth of the industry despite the many challenges faced along the way.
True to Mzansi being a rainbow nation, the blend of urban, traditional, faith-based, and soulful music reflected the country’s rich diversity through music.
Arthur Mafokate’s performance | SUPPLIED
DJ Oskido Getting His Flowers
Kwaito pioneer and esteemed music executive-cum-businessman Oskido has been in the industry since the late 80s. Credited as one of the stalwarts of the early kwaito scene, the founder of Kalawa Jazmee was honoured with the Chairman’s Award at the SAMAs.
Throughout his 30-plus years in the industry, the icon has expedited the rise of acts such as Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee, DJ Maphorisa, Mafikizolo, as well as DJ Tira. With strings of unforgettable singles and numerous SAMA nominations, the godfather of kwaito and pillar of SA house music was honored with the Chairman’s Award.
Oskido Accepting the Award | SUPPLIED
Couple Goals With Priddy Ugly and Bontle Modiselle
Rapper Priddy Ugly taking home the Best Hip Hop Album gong for his album, DUST, was one of the night’s highlights. However, the “Ntjaka” star stole the show alongside his wife and multihyphenate Bontle Modiselle.
Arrayed in different-hued turquoise, the couple shared a kiss before they both went up on stage, where the hip-hop artist accepted his award. Practically inseparable, the lovebirds were admired for their chemistry and the love they exuded throughout the night.
Priddy Ugly and Bontle Modiselle-Moloi | SUPPLIED
The De Mthuda Debacle
However, not all was good at the SAMAs.
One of the SAMA 30’s glaring flaws was the fiasco surrounding the performance of amapiano producer De Mthuda, who was tapped to grace the arena with his music.
Leading up to the SAMAs, the Recording Industry of South Africa and Sjula D Productions requested Mthuda to be one of the performers. The “John Wick” hitmaker not only obliged, he also prepared himself to perform his latest single “Diwa Kae”, which features Kabza De Small, Young Stunna, Mthunzi, Mkeyz, and McKenzie.
On the night, however, De Mthuda did not perform.
In a baffling twist of fate, De Mthuda found himself completely blindsided and excluded from the performance of his own song. While Mthuda honoured his end of the bargain by arriving well on time, there was no waiting area for artists on the night, which caused the production team to ask him to wait in his car until the time came for him to take the stage. However, the unthinkable happened.
The production crew went on ahead and shot the performance done by the featured artists on the night – while the single’s very own lead artist was left waiting in his car awaiting the production team’s next directive.
While the production team has apologised for this shortcoming, they have baulked at the idea of re-recording the performance to include De Mthuda.
De Mthuda and his team expressed their disappointment and have said that they are looking at avenues to address what happened at the yellow carpet event.