Samas celebrate 25th anniversary

In celebration of the SA Music Awards’ (Samas) milestone of 25 years, the theme for this year is 25toLife.

It’s a nostalgic trip into the past providing a better understanding of the present in a manner that excites us about the future.

From their humble beginnings at the Alberton Civic Centre 25 years ago, the awards ceremony has evolved into a glittering star-studded extravaganza broadcast live on SABC1 and attracting millions of viewers.

Somizi Mhlongo, Mpho Popps and Dineo Ranaka during the 24th annual South African Music Awards at Sun City. Picture: Gallo Images

In today’s world of social media, the event top the trends and is one of the most hunted invites for musicians, socialites, hustlers, the media and everybody in between.

The ceremony has been hosted in Johannesburg, Sun City and Durban over the 25 years, but mostly in Sun City.

The Samas have honoured the Sophiatown songbirds Miriam Makeba, Manhattan Brothers, Dolly Rathebe and Dorothy Masuka to ’60s, ’70s and ’80s legends from a whole spectrum of genres spanning bubblegum, pop, jazz and alternative.

Considered the most inclusive awards show, winners in Afrikaans, traditional, maskandi, alternative and contemporary, hip hop, dance, kwaito and reggae compete on an equal footing.

KO and his entourage at the 21st annual South African Music Awards.

The ceremony has been hosted by some of SA’s greatest talent such as Trevor Noah, Bonang Matheba, Somizi Mhlongo, Kabelo Mabalane, the late HHP and presenters drawn from television, radio, government and the business sector.

The collaboration showstoppers are a Sama trademark and always send the Superbowl into a frenzy.

The red carpet has evolved as a social highlight attracting fashion pundits, glamazons and those with an interest in all things sartorial.

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