Newbies, stars to fight it out at Samas

14 March 2014 - 02:00 By Andile Ndlovu
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
GRANDE DAME: Yvonne Chaka Chaka reads the names of the nominees for this year's South African Music Awards at a star-studded event at Carnival City yesterday. The Samas will take place on April 28 at the Sun City Superbowl
GRANDE DAME: Yvonne Chaka Chaka reads the names of the nominees for this year's South African Music Awards at a star-studded event at Carnival City yesterday. The Samas will take place on April 28 at the Sun City Superbowl

Mi Casa, The Parlotones and Mafikizolo yesterday continued their assault on the SA Music Awards with multiple nominations for the April 28 ceremony, but several newcomers have muscled their way in, giving the list a refreshed look.

Durban band Gangs of Ballet shared the most nominations with Mi Casa (five), while Nakhane Touré and Naima Kay snagged four nods alongside Mafikizolo and The Parlotones.

Connell Cruise scored with Best Male Artist and Best Adult Contemporary Album for his self-titled debut offering. Other nominees included Matthew Mole, MuzArt, Kabomo, Uhuru, Danny K, Zonke, The Muffinz, and iFani.

What they said:

"[From the four nominations] I'm most excited for Best Alternative Album - black people must win those alternative albums," laughed Nakhane Touré. "I think the last black band to win Best Alternative Album was the BLK JKS, and they're my heroes of heroes, so if I win that one, it's like I'm following in their footsteps."

Naima Kay - "I actually refused to leave my bed this morning, because I had really bad stomach cramps. I think it was just nerves... At first I would be uncomfortable around other artists, because I would think: 'My God, what if I do something stupid or something that makes me look forward', but now they're becoming more like brothers and sisters."

Vusi Nova - "I'd love to win [Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album] because I'm trying to bring back R&B and to add some soul to it. There's this notion that it doesn't sell in this country, and I'm hoping to change that. R Kelly has gone back to the 1950s and 60s and he's brought back that sound and that's what I'm trying to do here, and I pray to God that things work out that way."

Kwesta - "It's nice to know that people listen [to my album DaKAR] and think it's good enough to nominate. It's my second time here, and it doesn't get tired. It's almost like... yoh I don't even want to talk about virgins and stuff, but it's that type of feeling- it feels new every single time."

J'Something of Mi Casa - "I'm holding thumbs that 'Jika' is announced as one of the Record of the Year nominees [award is determed by a public vote, and nominees are yet to be announced]. It's already my Record of the Year even if it doesn't get nominated. Having said that, I'll be really disappointed if it's not nominated."

Connell Cruise - "People get to put 'Dr' or 'Prof', or even 'Steve McQueen OBE' in their titles, now I'd like to put Connell Cruise, Sama nominee in mine. In one way it gives you a sense of respect... Two years ago this time, I was putting together a demo that I was going to take to David Gresham Records. It's amazing how time flies."

The biggest categories

Album of the year

DJ Kent- The Weekent

Mafikizolo- Reunited

Mi Casa- Su Casa

Naima Kay- Umsebenzi

Nakhane Touré- Brave Confusion

Duo/group of the year

Gangs of Ballet- Yes/No/Grey

GoodLuck- Creatures of the Night

Mafikizolo- Reunited

Mi Casa- Su Casa

The Parlotones- Stand Like Giants

Female artist of the year

Dear Reader- Rivonia

Judith Sephuma- The Experience Live in Concert

Naima Kay- Umsebenzi

Rebecca Malope- Bayos'khomba

Zahara- Phendula

Male artist of the year

Connell Cruise- Connell Cruise

Kabomo- Memory Remains

Matthew Mole- The Home We Built

Nakhane Touré- Brave Confusion

Vusi Mahlasela- Sing to the People

Newcomer of the year

Gangs of Ballet- Yes/No/Grey

iFani- I Believes in Me (1st Quadrant)

MuzArt- MuzArt

Naima Kay- Umsebenzi

Nakhane Touré- Brave Confusion

Best collaboration

DJ Kent featuring The Arrows- Spin My World Around

LCNVL ft Lakota Silva- Closer

Mafikizolo ft May D- Happiness

The Parlotones, Khuli Chana and Jon Savage- Sleepwalker

Uhuru ft Oskido, Professor and DK Bucks- Y-tjukutja.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now