Fresh faces nominated for music awards

The nominees were announced at Sun International’s Carnival City in Ekurhuleni yesterday.

Newcomers Gangs of Ballet, along with perennial dance darlings Mi Casa, lead the pack with five nominations. Another two fresh faces, Naima Kay and Nakhane Touré, have announced their presence on the scene with four nods apiece.

Also bagging four Sama nominations are Mafikizolo, whose comeback release Reunited has been crowned with nods for Best Pop Album, Best Collaboration, Duo or Group of the Year and Album of the Year. Joining Mafikizolo in the Album of the Year category are music acts representing a diverse mix of genres: DJ Kent, Mi Casa, Naima Kay and Nakhane Touré.

David du Plessis, the chief operating officer of the Recording Industry of SA, said this year’s event will be special in more ways than one: “Not only are we celebrating 20 years of South Africa’s premier music awards, we are also commemorating the country’s 20 years of democracy.

“This year’s nominees perfectly encapsulate the rainbow nation.”

As a symbolic tribute to the first democratic elections, held on April 27 and 28 1994, the Sama 20 awards ceremony will take place exactly 20 years later, on April 28.

For the full list of nominees, go to www.samusicawards.co.za