This past weekend saw the 16th annual MTN South African Music Awards (SAMAs), which took place at Sun City, and heralded the seventh year of MTN’s involvement. The importance of winning an MTN SAMA cannot be underestimated as the recognition and reward have become the pinnacle of local artists’ careers.
MTN’s commitment to the promotion of South African music (including the re-launch of MTN Play) enables it to continue in its quest to generate revenue for local musicians. Through MTN Play, fans are able to support their artists and have access to a variety of the hottest and latest music downloads.
Hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the event was broadcast live on TV where the behind-the-scenes news and interviews were presented as the fate of the losers and winners was declared.
SAMA Winners Were:
Male Artist of the Year Artist:
Black Coffee – Home Brewed
Female Artist of the Year:
Lira – Live in Concert: A Celebration
Duo/ Group of the Year:
Jaziel Brothers – The Journey
Newcomer of the Year:
Tshepo Mngoma – People and Places
Album of the Year:
Big Nuz – Undisputed
Best Music Video of the Year:
The Parlotones – Push Me To The Floor
Best Maskandi Album:
Umgqumeni – I SMS
Best Rock Album (English):
The Parlotones – Stardust Galaxies
Best Pop Album (English):
Axene – 16
Best Pop Album (Afrikaans):
Bobby van Jaarsveld – Net Vir Jou
Best Pop Album (African):
Ntando – Inqubenko
Best Urban Pop Album:
Jozi – Wild Life
Best Sokkie Dans Album:
Die Campbells – Mamma Maria
Best Urban Dance Album:
Black Coffee – Home Brewed
Best Rap Album:
Teargas – Dark or Blue
Best Kwaito Album:
Big Nuz – Undisputed
Best Contemporary Jazz Album:
Adam Glasser – Free at First
Best African Traditional Gospel Album:
Sechaba – Mangihamba Mawe
MTN Best Selling Mobile Music Download:
DJ Cleo – Hands Up
Best Selling Album:
Bok van Blerk – Afrikaner Hart
Lifetime Achievement:
Carike Keuzenkamp and Jabu Khanyile
International Achievement:
Soweto Gospel Choir
MTN Record of the Year:
Umlilo – Big Nuz featuring Tira
