SAMA27: Big Drama and Big Wins
The 2021 South African Music Awards were a mixed bag of controversies and massive wins for our favourite artists. Since nominations were released in May, fans and stars came out to air their grievances about the lack of representation, snubs and the overall history of the SAMAs neglecting to award major songs and artists. From Kelly Khumalo’s humble request for her nomination’s rescission to major wins for artists new and old, here’s what went down at the SAMAs.
It’s no secret that the SAMAs have received some major backlash from listeners and artists over the years. Kelly Khumalo and Cassper Nyovest are two of the most recent artists to check the major award show for its bad history. Soon after nominations were released, both stood in solidarity with Makhadzi, the chart-topping, high-streaming Limpopo singer, who was snubbed from nominations despite hits like Amadoda and Kokovha.
“Don’t worry, they [SAMAs] don’t mean anything anymore”, said Cassper in a tweet to Makhadzi a few months back.
When the show aired on 31 July under strict Covid-19 lockdown regulations many viewers, including celebrity Lasizwe Dambuza, accused the show of being visibly low-budget.
The hosts, Bontle Moloi and actor Lawrence Maleka, were excellent hosts with the former stunning viewers in her exquisite looks by Kgosi Lesego. And Even though the Makhadzis of the industry didn’t get their flowers, other major artists were celebrated for their big wins.
Among them were Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa. The Scorpion Kings, as they are also known, grabbed three awards in the categories for Album of the Year, Best Amapiano Album and Duo/Group of the Year. Kabza De Small also walked away with the coveted Male Artist of the Year Award for his album I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust.
After being snubbed last year, Master KG finally received recognition from the SAMAs as the recipient of the International Achievement Award. Fans felt it was too little too late, especially since the song received significant recognition overseas, particularly when its remix with Burna Boy was certified diamond in France. Nomcebo not being compensated for her contribution to the song also casts a dark shadow over the song’s win.
Other big wins included Blaq Diamond for Artist of the Year, Sho Madjozi for Female Artist of the Year and the Best Traditional Album as well as Nasty C for Best Hip Hop Album.
Fans complained over Matthew Mole’s Keep it Together winning Record of the Year, arguing that he was a lesser-known artist. In addition the lack of women represented in the Album of the Year was also a cause for much disappointment.
To see the full list of winners, visit SAMA’s ‘award’ page here.