'I've proven myself' says an established AKA, but has Cassper?

Rapper AKA believes the rivalry between him and Cassper Nyovest is fan- and media-driven, but there is no question he can't shake off his adversary after both men were yesterday nominated in the same 21st annual South Africa Music Awards categories three times.

They were nominated in the best male artist, best rap album, and best collaboration categories.

Cassper, however, received two more nominations - best newcomer and best album.

It makes him the most nominated musician alongside pop trio Beatenberg, who were nominated in a host of categories.

AKA, whose real name is Kiernan Forbes, said after the nominations event at the Rand Club in Johannesburg: "I think the fans and media are perpetuating the antagonism with Cassper.

"At the end of the day we live in South Africa, and South Africa always supports the underdog.

"I'm not the underdog any more. I've been here for six years. I'm established. It's no problem for me. I've proven myself. Has he proven himself? Time will tell."

He was also disgruntled about missing out on a few more nods.

"I'm happy for the three categories that I'm nominated in," he said.

"But I think I should have got nominated for best video for Congratulate or Run Jozi. Those were really, really good videos.

"Also album of the year, but, hey man, I don't make the rules."

Cassper agreed that Congratulate should have been nominated in the best video category.

Flautist Wouter Kellerman, who recently won a Grammy award, was nominated twice for his album Winds of Samsara for best classical or instrumental album and in the best producer of the year category.

Lulu Dikana is in line for three posthumous gongs after being nominated for best producer, best R&B/soul/reggae album, and best female artist.

A capella group The Soil, comprising Buhle Mda and brothers Ntsika and Luphindo Ngxanga, capped an amazing week with four nominations a couple of days after performing for the British Royal family during Commonwealth celebrations in London.

They met the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, and Mda was quoted in the UK's Mail Online website as saying, "She just held herself and thanked me" after The Soil had congratulated her on her second pregnancy.