The 29th edition of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) is officially back after reports claimed that the show had been delayed due to alleged financial difficulties.
Sunday World previously reported that the awards show organisers, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), confirmed their financial battles and that they allegedly found difficulty in securing a sponsor after receiving backlash after last year’s show.
According to the above-mentioned publication, Grammys winner Zakes Bantwini once stated that artists do not attend the show because of its corruption and lack of vision. “Regrettably, the SAMAs have broken our trust. They devalued the honour and prestige they once stood for.”
He added, “There is no integrity in the way the show is being produced, the planning, awarding and extending the basic courtesy of respect to artists.”
Taking to their social media pages, the SAMAs revealed that the nominees and the show’s new home is set to be announced in Soweto on 3 October 2023.
“The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) officially kicks off the #Road2SAMA29 as the countdown begins to the nominee announcement which is set to take place on Tuesday, 3 October 2023 in Soweto, Johannesburg. A special announcement will see SA’s flagship music awards find a NEW HOME. This exciting partnership is set to lead to the biggest SAMA rollout to date. It’s all about MUSIC, FASHION, and TOURISM.”
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RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi stated, “The South African music industry has produced exceptional music over the past year and seen our artists take their brands to new heights, both locally and globally. We are proud to officially kick off #SAMA29 and look forward to sharing with the country some exciting new developments as the SAMAs find a new home.”
