he South African Afro Music Awards 2019 nominees were announced, this evening at the grand Summer Place Boutique hotel in Germiston, ahead of the ceremony to be held on 24 August 2019.
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Among the esteemed guests that graced the occasion were the legendary departed Afro musicians’ artists’ families. The event was directed by Amanda Quwe, and guests were entertained by various Afro Musicians and artists including, Mlambi who serenaded the audience with Brenda Fassie’s songs, taking them down memory lane.
The organisers honoured the great artists in its Lifetime Award category – Jabu Khanyile, Stompi Mavi & Nana Coyote who contributed immensely to this ever-evolving music genre.
China Mpololo, organiser says; “The SAAFMA’s were launched for the purpose of celebrating our living and commemorating departed music giants, as we recognise and promote the excellence, impact and importance of the Afro Music Genre. Afro music is a powerful tool that can influence people’s perceptions and outlook on various things in life as it is presented in a soulful and emotional manner where artists pour their hearts out to connect with their music consumers. We are delighted to have had the pleasure of these legends’ families’ presence at the launch of the 2019 SAAFMAs. We also had Jonas Gwangwa’s son attend the event on his father behalf, which really humbles us as the organisers because our efforts to celebrate our Afro Musicians are being noticed and taken seriously.”
The evening also had the new trophy that will be presented to the Lifetime Achievers during the Awards ceremony on 24 August unveiled. We are pleased to announce that we will also celebrate the 2018 nominees during the ceremony this year, as we had to move out the celebration last year,” says Mpololo.
According to Mpololo the SAAFMAs are deliberately designed differently from the norm. “We have 8 categories this year, and we have allowed equal opportunity for each nominee. Nominations came from record labels, other artists, music executives and industry specialists, as well as fans. Based on the criteria set, the selection committee then sat and came up with the shortlist of three artists per category. We believe that by following the traditional route of using the short message system for nominations poses an element of disadvantage for the deserving craft. We are about realness and quality, hence our approach.
Fourth South African Afro Music Awards Nominees were revealed as follow:
Best Afro Music Male Artists
- Vusi Nova
- Sjava
- Mlindo
Best Afro Music Female Artists
- Zahara
- Kelly Khumalo
- Zonke Dikana
Best Afro Soul Music Artists
- Musa
- Nathi
- Vusi Nova
Best Afro Adult Contemporary Artists
- Ntsika
- Lady X
- Wandile Mbambeni
Best Afro Music Album
- Zonke – L.O.V.E
- Vusi Nova – Manyan’ nyan
- Mlindo – Emakhaya
Best Afro Music Rising Star
- Amanda Juta
- Bongeziwe Mabandla
- Mlindo
Best Afro Group
- Stimela
- Afro Soul
- Encore
Afro Song of the year
- Asphelelanga – Vusi Nova
- AmaBlesser – Mlindo
- Idibala – King Monada
Image Courtesy: instagram.com/vusinova1