The 29th edition of the South African Music Awards, better known as the SAMAs, has allegedly been delayed due to financial difficulties. However, it has not been cancelled.
Sunday World states that the awards show organisers, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA), confirmed their financial battles and that they are allegedly finding difficulty in securing a sponsor after receiving backlash after last year’s show. Artists such as Zakes Bantwini, Lady Du and Makhadzi criticised the 2022 show and accused the organisers of ill-treatment, favouritism, and delivering a weak show compared to previous years.
Makhadzi alleged that the organisers had not treated her fairly, giving her only one minute to perform after making her rehearse using a cellphone for sound. “I rehearsed with a cellphone on stage to get my choreography. I asked to rehearse with the camera guys so they can read my moves, no one listened to me. I asked for smokes and fireworks. They promised but never delivered. But I remained a queen,” said the star at the time.
Sunday World also reports that singer Lady Du accused the SAMAs of favouritism. Referring to Artist of the Year winner Musa Keys, who is managed by one of the show’s directors, the Woza singer said, “How does a person get a tender for organising artists to perform on stage, then the artist he is managing gets the biggest award of the night?”
Regarding Grammy award-winning musician Zakes Bantwini, he stated that artists do not attend the show because of its corruption and lack of vision, reports the publication. Says Zakes, “Regrettably, the SAMAs have broken our trust. They devalued the honour and prestige they once stood for.”
He adds, “There is no integrity in the way the show is being produced, the planning, awarding and extending the basic courtesy of respect to artists.”
SAMA spokesperson Lesley Mofokeng told the above-mentioned publication, “RISA remains determined to deliver the 29th edition of the SA Music Awards even in the most challenging financial conditions we face.”
He continued, “We have undergone a restructuring process that relooked our processes and repackaged the SAMA. The team has been hard at work with committee meetings, vetting of entries, judging, and other behind-the-scenes work.”
Due to its delay, the SAMA has not yet announced its nominees. Last year, nominees were revealed as early as June. The organisers have also not announced the date of the event or the venue.
“We will announce the nominees in the coming weeks, please watch this space,” informed Lesley.
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