Two national Country Awards for the Vaal

 
The South African Country Music Artists Foundation (SACMAF) held its Annual National Awards Evening at The Arto Theatre in Pretoria on Friday, October 26, and the Vaal walked away with two prestigious awards!

Not only were artists and composers honoured. Awards were also given to the best “behind the scene” persons and organisations such as Best Country Music Venue, Best Sound Engineers, Best Online Radio Station and Best Community Radio Station in South Africa.

IFM 102.2 were crowned the Best Community Radio Station in South Africa. According to SACMAF’s CEO Sandy Lee, IFM deserved this award for supporting known and unknown South African Country Artists for over 20 years. “IFM has always been willing to introduce new artists to the listeners, IFM has always been willing to support Country artists and venues with media sponsorship and IFM has hosted The Melody Awards for many years,” said Sandy. The PR and Promotions that DJ’s Marius de Vos and Cousin Rick Emdin do on behalf of IFM Radio for Country Artists also played an important role in securing the award for this radio station.

The second SACMAF award for The Vaal went to “Local is Lekka” host and musician, Vernon Muso. This award was for “The Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Country Music in South Africa.” Vernon has gone above and beyond the call of duty to promote and launch new artists into the industry. The most popular recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award was definitely Cindy Alter of Clout Fame. She received a standing ovation when her name was called out. Other winners were Hun Ter Leite, Will Thomas, Caroline Bosch, Gerhard Supra, Rian Kukard, Billy Beeby, Tony Joshua, JJ Stephens, Bernie Williams and others. Springbok Radio received the award for the Best Digital Radio Station and Diamond X Ranch for the best Country Music Venue.