The 27th instalment of the SA Music Awards got off to a glittering and glamourous fashionable start on SABC1 tonight.
Staged as a one-night virtual extravaganza, the red carpet which attracted a bevy of celebrities served as the perfect prelude to a proudly South African music celebration fit for local talent.
Spotted were Bucy Radebe, up for White Star Newcomer of the Year Award and also a performer for the night. She bedazzled in a black sleeveless figure-hugging gown. Thandi Ntuli, up for Best Jazz Album, opted for an eye-catching African print body suit paired with black ankle boots. Goodluck’s Juliet Harding sparkled in a sequined body suit and strappy heels. The band is billed as one of the performers tonight.
Black Motion’s Bongani Mahosana aka DJ Murdah went avant garde with a design decorated with ropes around his thighs. His band mate Thabo Mabogwane paired his black suit with a yellow T-shirt and patent leather shoes. They are nominated for Best Dance Album and are performers.
Hle, a Sofnfree Female Artist of the Year nominee, shimmered in an orange dress with sparkly crystal details. Vendaboy who is one of the performers chose a dusty pink suit with a white shirt.
Nadia Nakai’s dramatic red gown with feathers and mermaid detail was a vision ahead of her performance later tonight. Performer Msaki went for a futuristic silver jacket and a black structured skirt with a tail. Nominee and performer Sun-El Musician stole the night with a patterned black and white tux. He finished off the dapper look with trendy designer loafers.
The SAMA27 show recorded in a Johannesburg studio under strict Covid-19 level 4 lockdown protocols, will be broadcast tonight on SABC1 at 8pm.
While it may not be on the grand scale of Sun City Superbowl, the proudly South African show brings the heat packed with only the best local entertainment and a star-studded line up of celebrity presenters.
Hosts Lawrence Maleka and Bontle Modiselle Moloi strike up admirable rapport as they guide proceedings along.
A selection of performers such as Langa Mavuso, Sjava, Buhlebendalo, Big Zulu, Bucy Radebe, Azana and Boity, engender the spirit of celebration and excitement.
Some of the presenters on the bill are radio and TV personalities DJ Speedsta, Lamiez Holworthy and DJ Sabby, podcasters MacG and Sol Phenduka, Miss Soweto Thobile Steyn and Motsweding FM personality Ltk.
More than 40 gongs will be handed out including the newly unveiled Best Amapiano Album, Best Gqom Album and Best Kwaito Album. History will be made when the first ever public-voted Artist of the Year award will be presented. Other categories voted for by the public are Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
The competitive top 5 categories: Album of the Year, Sofnfree Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, White Star Newcomer of the Year and Duo/Group of the Year are also highly anticipated.
Nhlanhla Sibisi, RiSA CEO commented: “The SAMA red carpet is a production on its own. We recognise that music and fashion go together and even in a virtual production we still shine some spotlight on the looks our nominees chose to celebrate their big night. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the show as we celebrate the best of South African music. May the best win, and congratulations to all the nominees for getting this far.”
SABC is the official broadcast partner of SAMA27
The SAMA are organised by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA)
Sponsors for SAMA27 are Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; Sampra; Samro White Star; Sofnfree; Capasso; and Drip.
SAMA27 is endorsed by Proudly South African.
Social media handles
Instagram: @thesamas_
Twitter: @TheSAMAs
YouTube: samusicawards
Facebook: South African Music Awards
Hashtag: #SAMA27 #REDEFINE
Website: www.samusicawards.co.za