After much anticipation, the South African Music Awards announced the SAMA30 nominees on Thursday at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
Tyla stands out with five nominations, making her the most nominated artist, followed closely by Kabza De Small and Mbuso Khoza, each with three nominations.
During the event, host Luthando “Loot Love” Shosha revealed that the awards ceremony will take place on November 2 at the same venue. The festivities kicked off with an electrifying dance performance by Kryptonite Dance Academy, showcasing South Africa’s top charting sounds from kwaito to the evolution of amapiano.
Tyla’s nominations include SAMPRA Album of the Year, Ukhozi FM Female Artist of the Year, SANTAM Newcomer of the Year, Best Pop Album, and Best Collaboration for her track “Water” featuring Travis Scott.
Kabza De Small and Mbuso Khoza, both hot on Tyla’s heels, each received three nominations. Kabza, the Amapiano maestro, is nominated for Album of the Year and Motsweding FM Best Amapiano Album for Isimo, as well as Radio 2000 Duo/Group of the Year alongside Mthunzi for “Isimo.”
Khoza earned nominations for Best Produced Album, Best Traditional Music Album, and Best Engineered Album for Shaka iLembe Soundtrack Album Volume 2 (original music from the Shaka iLembe TV series).
The competition heats up in the Lesedi FM Male Artist of the Year category, featuring Amapiano stars Kelvin Momo for “Kurhula,” Daliwonga for “Dali Dali,” and De Mthuda for “Baba Yaga,” alongside rapper Priddy Ugly for “Dust” and new-age Maskandi artist Ugatsheni for “Uyihlo noNyoko.”
In the Ukhozi FM Female Artist of the Year category, Tyla faces tough competition from Brenda Mtambo for “Sane,” Lwah Ndlunkulu for “Imizwa,” Lordkez for “Testament,” and Xolly Mncwango for “Unusual.”
The SAMPRA Album of the Year category features a diverse lineup, with Amapiano artists Kabza De Small and Mthunzi for Isimo, Daliwonga for Dali Dali, pop sensation Tyla for Tyla, faith music powerhouse Xolly Mncwango for Unusual, and the iconic isicathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo for Soothe My Soul: Songs from our South African Church.
Source: iol.co.za
