SAMA Awards list released
The overwhelming response is indicative of a burgeoning music industry and is a vote of confidence in the most prestigious music award ceremony in the land.
The South African Music Awards is delighted to announce that the number of entries for this year’s ceremony which increased compared to last year.
They received over 700 entries, while in 2016 the number stood at about 470.
In pursuit of transparency and openness, the office of the SAMA’s has resolved to share all the names of the entrants with the public.
Best Collaboration is the most competitive category with 106 entries.
The Best Produced Album is a battleground with 72 entries from varied genres dance, gospel, gqom, rap, jazz and R&B. The Best Engineered garnered 46.
In specific genre categories, the Best Dance Album leads with 27 entries which are followed closely by Best Rap Album boasting 25 entries. Best Jazz Album has 15 projects eligible for a nomination.
The Best Maskandi Album which has drawn 13 entries has the genre’s most successful talents battling it out for a nod, the same can be said about Best Traditional Music Album category that has 15 entries.
The Traditional Faith Music Album also earned 14 entries.
The Best Alternative Music Album ensures stiff competition with 18 entries.
In the Best Kwaito Album, there is a slight increase from last year with 6 album entries. Remix of the year stands at 16 entries.
DVD recordings remain popular with 11 entries in the Best Live Audio Visual Recording.
The newly introduced Best African Artist category attracted 6 entries from Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Botswana.
“These big numbers ensure a healthy competition. Our judges have their work cut out for them and we are confident that the final nominee list will be the testament to the best of the best in each category and also reflect what the SAMAs are about. Best of luck to everyone,” said Sibisi.
