The South African Music Awards return for their 28th year and entries are now open for 2022 until midnight 31 January 2022.
“This is your chance to shine so do not let it pass you by”, said Lesley Mofokeng spokesperson of the SA Music Awards.
“You know how much it took out of you to create your music and now it’s time for us to honour you so do not hesitate on submitting your entries”, said Mofokeng as he encouraged artists to make submissions.
The call for entry is for all South African musicians that have released albums between February 2021 until January 2022. There are no specifications when it comes to language and demographics as long as you are South African you are eligible to enter.
“Let us celebrate your talent and creativity. We are calling on you to take advantage of this opportunity”, said Mofokeng.
You can enter whether you are a RISA member or non-RISA member. Even though there are some benefits of being a member such as getting huge discounts when entering the SAMA however your membership needs to be up-to-date in order to qualify for discounts”, Mofokeng explained.
There are over 40 categories and more details about the awards can be found on www.samusicawards.co.za.
The categories are from traditional, gospel, Amapiono, Kwaito and many others which are proudly South African.
Mofokeng stated: “we celebrate the best that we have in this country in all shapes and form”. In 2021 the SAMAs saw the growth of Amapiono and witnessed artist taking on international stages. “It’s not surprising because Amapiono have exploded in the industry and the amount of collaboration is impressive. This is excellent for the industry because kopano ke matla (unity is strength)”.
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.
The awards have become a publicly celebrated event. “We are excited that we are on the 28th year and we can’t wait to turn 30. We are eager to take a new direction on our 30th anniversary”, Mofokeng added.
The SAMAs were established in 1995 by the Recording Industry of SA (RISA). The music industry was maturing at that time and the industry had started being competitive therefore a realization was made that the industry should honour excellency. The awards were launched to celebrate SA’s music, legacy and heritage.
RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi commented: “It gives us great pleasure to see the SAMA maintain its longest run as an award ceremony of stature”.
Nominees are likely to be announced in April and towards end of May it’s likely that award winners will be announced. The pandemic challenged the SAMA26 and SAMA27 therefore it is expected that SAMA28 will be different and a high breed event. The ceremony will be virtual; others will attend physically and like every other year it will be broadcast on television. “With the new restrictions and adjustment of COVID regulations we hope the authorities will permit the event to take place as planned”, said Lesley.
“We have made a call to all SA musicians to submit their music and you know what you have created and the hours you have put in. Don’t hold back”, Mofokeng concludes.
By Sandra Lesenyeho
#SAPositiveNews
