SA rapper nominated for top award

20 September 2012 - 02:10 By ANDILE NDLOVU
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Spoek Mathambo drew on many influences to create his new album, 'Father Creeper'.
Spoek Mathambo drew on many influences to create his new album, 'Father Creeper'.
Image: LAUREN MULLIGAN

Local rapper Spoek Mathambo stands a chance of becoming the first South African to win a Music of Black Origin award after being nominated for the Best African Act category.

The awards evening will take place at the Echo Arena in Liverpool in the UK on November 3.

He will face stiff competition as all the nominees in the category - including Amadou & Mariam, D'Banj, P Square, Fally Ipupa, Camp Mulla and Cabo Snoop - are big names in their own right.

The 27-year-old, whose real name is Nthato Mokgata, has made steady inroads into the European scene. He played a slew of shows in France and the UK in May. He also played in the US.

Speaking from his home in Malmo, Sweden, the Johannesburg-born Let Them Talk star is unperturbed about his prospects.

"I'm not really concerned about my chances," he said.

"I'm just happy people recognise the work my team has been doing. It's a testament to the skills of a lot of beautiful people. This nomination is already a big win for us. Anything else is a bonus."

Mokgata was also nominated in the 2011 edition of the Mobos in which he and another local dance outfit, Liquideep, lost to Nigerian pop star WizKid.

In fact, the Nigerians have been dominating this category for several years. 2Face Idibia won it in 2007. 9ice's took it in 2008 and Nneka in 2009 before K'Naan broke the cycle in 2010.

Previous South African nominees include HHP, Lira, Lebo Mathosa and Jozi.

"I will charter a hot air balloon [if I win]. I have never been in one," said Mokgata.

He will be in the country next month to launch his new album, his third following Mshini Wam' and Father Creeper.

OTHER AWARDS NOMINEES

Best Female: Emeli Sande, Jessie J, Jessie Ware, Rebecca Ferguson, Rita Ora, Tulisa.

Best Male: Ed Sheeran, Labrinth, Plan B, Professor Green, Rizzle Kicks, Wiley.

Best Album: Ed Sheeran - "+", Emeli Sande- "Our Version of Events", Labrinth - "Electronic Earth", Plan B - "Ill Manors", Rita Ora - "Ora".

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