“Water” hitmaker, Tyla. Picture: Instagram
Grammy-winning Tyla will go head-to-head with some of Mzansi’s best musicians at the fiercely contested 30th South African Music Awards (Samas).
The annual awards are known to celebrate the diverse and vibrant South African music industry, recognising the artistry and talent of musicians from various genres.
This year, organisers have promised that the milestone edition will be a thrilling celebration of the nation’s musical excellence and bring new flavours and experiences.
The nominees for two public voting categories have been announced.
The Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year will be a battle royale of amapiano anthems from the likes of “IPlan” by Zaba, Sykes and Dlala Thukzin, “Imithandazo” by Mthunzi and Kabza De Small and “Sgudi Snyc” by De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef and Eemoh.
Meanwhile, Tyla’s “Water” has secured nominations in both categories, along with Tyler ICU’s “Mnike”, which sent the world into a frenzy with its dance challenge.
Hits from hip hop, dance, and new age Maskandi, including “Lemons (Lemonade)” by AKA and Nasty C, “Mohigan Sun” by Mörda and Oscar Mbo featuring Murumba Pitch, “Ronda” by Blxckie, and “Ngiyeza” by Lwah Ndlunkulu, compete for the top prize in the RiSA/RAV Audio Visual Music Video of the Year.
Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), saluted the artists who have been shortlisted.
Sibisi said: “Artist recognition is an important and significant pat on the back, and we continue this tradition in our 30th year of existence. It is beautiful to see how music and artists have evolved over the years.”
He encouraged music lovers to play their part by voting for their favourite artists.
“What good is an award ceremony without the input of the fans? We look forward to a memorable Sama as we mark 30 years of existence and so the journey has begun towards the celebration.”
For more information on how to vote visit samusicawards.co.za.
Here is the nomination list for the two categories.
Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year
“Mnike” – Tyler ICU and Tumelo.za, featuring DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA and Tyrone Dee
“IPlan” – Dlala Thukzin featuring Zaba and Sykes
“Imithandazo” – Kabza De Small and Mthunzi featuring Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine and Umthakathi Kush
“Awukhuzeki” – DJ Stokie featuring Omit ST, Sobzeen and Zeenhle
“Sgudi Snyc” – De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef, Eemoh and Sipho Magudulela
“Water” – Tyla
“Izenzo” – Bassie and Aymos featuring T-Man SA
“Imnandi lento” – Mellow and Sleazy x SjavasDaDeejay and TitoM featuring Tman Xpress
“Hamba Juba” – Lady Amar, JL SA, Cici and Murumba Pitch
“Paris” – Mthandeni SK featuring Lwah Ndlunkulu
“Isgubhu” – Sam Deep, Njelic and Aymos
“Masithokoze” – DJ Stokie and Eemoh
“iMpumelelo” – Sam Deep, Eemoh, Da Muziqal Chef
“Umbayimbayi” – Inkabi Zezwe, Sjava and Big Zulu
“Dubula” – Harrycane, Master KG and DJ LaTimmy
“Nhliziyo Yami eKhala Kakhulu” – Thabza Tee featuring Tman Xpress
“Gangnam Style” – Mas Musiq and Daliwonga featuring DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small
“Horns in the Sun” – DJ Kent featuring Brenden Praise, Mörda, Mo-T
“Funk 55” – Shakes and Les, DBN Gogo and Zee Nxumalo featuring Ceeka RSA and Chley
“Nana Thula” – Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa featuring Njelic
RiSA/RAV Music Video of the Year
“Ngixolele” – Busta 929 featuring Boohle
“Water” – Tyla
“Mnike” – Tyler ICU and Tumelo.za featuring DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA and Tyron Dee
“Awukhuzeki” – DJ Stokie featuring Omit ST, Sobzeen and Zeenhle
“Kulula” – MaWhoo, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small
“Hamba Juba” – Lady Amar, JL SA, Cici and Murumba Pitch
“IPlan” – Dlala Thukzin, Zaba and Sykes
“Sengizwile ”– Mas Musiq featuring Aymos and Young Stunna
“Impumelelo” – Sam Deep and Eemoh featuring Da Muziqal Chef
“Last Call” – Will Linley
“Mina Nawe” – Soa Mattrix and Mashudu featuring Happy Jazzman and Emotionz DJ
“Sgudi Snyc” – De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef and Eemoh featuring Sipho Magudulela
“Sosh Plata” (Remix) – Loatinover Pounds featuring 25K and Thapelo Ghutra
“Mohigan Sun” – Mörda and Oscar Mbo featuring Murumba Pitch
“Lemons (Lemonade)” – AKA and Nasty C
“Ronda” – Blxckie
“Ngiyamthanda” – MaWhoo and Master KG featuring Lowsheen
“Thula” – Lowsheen, Master KG and Nkosazana Daughter
“Ngiyeza” – Lwah Ndlunkulu
“Uthando Lwakho” – Lowsheen, Master KG and Basetsana