Fans up in arms over SAMA nominees list

Big hip-hop names such as Cassper Nyovest, AKA, and Kwesta seem to be missing from this year’s South African Music Award (SAMAs) nominees list.

The 22nd SAMA nominees were announced at a press conference in Soweto Theatre on Thursday.

Hosting the press conference was presenter-turned-musician, Nomuzi Mabena.

The much-anticipated nominations list caused a stir on social media yesterday with mixed reactions to some of the nominations, in particular questioning the relevance of some of those nominated.

Leading the nominations list is newcomer rapper Emtee, Amantombazane hitmaker Riky Rick, Nomvula singer Nathi, international house sensation Black Coffee and songtress Zonke with four nominations each.

Fan favourites Cassper Nyovest and AKA did not receive nods for individuals awards with AKA receiving a nomination for Best Collaboration and Best Remix while Cassper appeared on the nominations list for his feature on a song with twin DJs, Major Leagues.

After fans questioned why he was not nominated, the Gusheshe rapper took to Twitter to explain that he did not submit his nomination application.

He tweeted: “Thanks for all the love. Pls note we deliberately did NOT submit for these awards. I’ll explain it all through my music. Stay blessed”.

Last year, Nyovest expressed his disappointment after not being nominated in the category for Song of the Year and stating that he was “robbed” of his award and questioned the criteria for the SAMA nominations.

Also causing stir on social media was Riky Rick’s nomination under the category of Newcomer of the Year with fans arguing that the rapper is no ‘newcomer’ to the South African music industry.