The horses have bolted for the final stretch of the SAMA 24 Record of the Year Award. After weeks of campaigning and a hard fought public vote for the top 20 semi-finalists, the fans have spoken and the top 10 finalists are here.
AKA has kept up the momentum with two berths in the final line up, thanks to his hit songs The World Is Yours and Don’t Forget To Pray and Anatii. Tied with him in the top spot is Kwesta with anthems Spirit and Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe featuring Thabsie. Lady Zamar flies the dance flag with My Baby as well as DJ Kent with Love You Still and Heavy K with Inde. Also in the running are the likes of Distruction Boyz with Omunye, I Do by LaSauce featuring Amanda, Suited by Shekhinah.
The list was announced on SABC1 music show Live Amp on Friday night. Enthused RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi: ‘It has been a tight race and we congratulate those who emerged victorious. The stage is set for the ultimate Record of the Year winner. Best wishes to all.’
MEC for the North West Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs (CATA) Mme O.R Mochware congratulated the finalists: ‘As we do the countdown to SAMA24 things get heated up. Now from boys to men, the nominations of the top 10 bring us closer and closer to 2 June 2018. Your nomination is indicative of your hard work and I want to wish you the best of luck.’
Following the revelation, fans are encouraged to vote further to ensure that their favourite songs stay till the end and eventually scoop the trophy on the big night.
Voting by USSD line is open until next month. To vote you send the number of the artist, for example *120*2003*01# USSD charged at R1.50 per minute, free minutes do not apply.
Complete list of Top 10 SAMA 24 Record of the Year finalists and the voting codes
| 1. | Don’t Forget To Pray – AKA and Anatii | *120*2003*01# |
| 2. | I Do – LaSauce featuring Amanda | *120*2003*02# |
| 3. | Inde – Heavy K | *120*2003*03# |
| 4. | Love You Still – DJ Kent | *120*2003*04# |
| 5. | My Baby – Lady Zamar | *120*2003*05# |
| 6. | Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe – Kwesta featuring Thabsie | *120*2003*06# |
| 7. | Omunye – Distruction Boyz | *120*2003*07# |
| 8. | Spirit – Kwesta | *120*2003*08# |
| 9. | Suited – Shekhinah | *120*2003*09# |
| 10. | The World Is Yours – AKA | *120*2003*10# |
The SAMA24 award ceremony is on 2 June 2018 and will be broadcast live from Sun City, North West on SABC1 at 8pm.
Tickets are on sale at Ticketpro at R395.
- The annual South African Music Awards(SAMAs) are organised by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA)
- SABC 1 is the official broadcast partner.
- The SAMA24 award ceremony takes place in Sun City, North West on June 2.
Social media handles:
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Twitter: @TheSAMAs
YouTube: samusicawards
Facebook: South African Music Awards
Hashtag: #SAMA24
Website: www.samusicawards.co.za