IT seems the organisers of the South African Music Awards (Samas) don’t know how to stage a ceremony that’s free from controversy. Every year, the Recording Industry of South Africa (Risa), which is the custodian of the event, always gets under the skin of artists andmusic-lovers. This week, the same was true when artists from Limpopo weren’t nominated, despite their songs being on high rotation on many radio stations
Makhadzi, whose song Matorokisi was a runner for the Song of the Year title on many radio stations and Master KG’s Jerusalem have been snubbed by the Samas.
This despite the songs being hits released last year, which has brought the judging process of the awards into question.
An informant said Sho Madjozi’s name also didn’t appear on the list released on Wednesday.
“Sho Madjozi deserves at least Song of the Year, but she didn’t get it, which makes me question the awards’ judging process and panel.
“I mean, she even got to travel internationally to meet John Cena,” the informant said. Another source said: “When she went to the US, she wanted to showcase Mzansi, not only Limpopo.
“But she didn’t get support from government. I mean, she even appeared on Kelly Clarkson’s show with John Cena.
“The process of the Samas is flawed and the people judging it are pathetic.”
Makhadzi took to her Twitter account and expressed her displeasure about not being nominated.
Wrote Makhadzi: Congratulations to all @TheSAMAs nominees..so sad for not being recognised after what matorokisi did to AFRICANS last year…to all my fans I submitted everything it’s just that ndinga ndoneta tshinyama.. Your love and support matters.
Congratulations to all @TheSAMAs nominees..so said for not being recognized 💔 after what matorokisi did to AFRICANS last year..to all my fans I submitted everything is just that ndinga ndoneta tshinyama 😭.. Your love and support matters ❤❤❤❤
— makhadzi muimbi SA (@makhadzimuimbi) July 10, 2020
But the organisers of the Samas responded, saying she didn’t submit.
She then replied, saying she submitted early this year.
I did confirm with them on Instagram earlier this year that yes you submitted.
They went to say you’re not eligible for #SAMA26 and you should wait for #SAMA27. I proved them wrong.
Now they’re saying you didn’t submit. @TheSAMAs are such a scam. A tribalist organization.— MAKHADZI’S STAN (@Makhadzi_Legion) July 10, 2020
Makhadzi went on to accuse the organisers of being tribalists.
Master KG also took to social media to congratulate the nominees.
Tweeted Master KG: Congratulations to all The #SAMA26 Nominee’s Big Love. I will keep working hard until the day they recognise me.
When called for comment, Sho Madjozi said her team and had decided not to comment about the issue.
Both Makhadzi and Master KG were not available for comment. Makhadzi’s manager Lionel Jamela refused to comment arguing that the matter is water under the bridge.
This year’s award ceremony will not take place at the Sun City Superbowl because of lockdown regulations.
With the theme ForThaKultcha, RiSA announced that the ceremony will be presented over five nights between 3 and 7 August.
House music producer and club DJ Prince Kaybee lead the pack with four nominations. His two smash hits Fetch Your Life featuring Msaki and Gugulethu featuring Afro Brothers, Indlovukazi and SUPTA are both nominated in the ROTY and MVOTY categories making his tally the highest so far in SAMA26.
RiSA and the Samas organisers could not be reached for comment at the time of going print.
A full list of this year’s SAMAs26 nominees was released last Thursday and put up for a public vote in preparation for the five-night ceremony to be held between 3 and 7 August this year.
But, Mzansi has responded with nepotism, tribalism and favouritism allegations and criticism towards the South African premier music showcase.
– Sundaysun