Inside scoop on the Samas

23 April 2014 - 08:31 By ANDILE NDLOVU
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Afropop group Mafikizolo. File photo
Afropop group Mafikizolo. File photo
Image: THULI DLAMINI

The 20th SA Music Awards on Monday will feature an impressive line-up of performers - and it is becoming apparent that the tone will be "dancier" than at last year's ceremony.

The Times has learned exclusively that first-time Sama nominees, including rapper iFani, Naima Kay and Durban rock outfit Gangs of Ballet will perform at the televised ceremony, to be held at its customary home, Sun City's Superbowl.

Last year's bill included soulful performers Zonke, Kabomo, Lira and The Muffinz, Donald, Toya Delazy, ChianoSky, Reason, Proverb, Desmond and the Tutus, Vetkuk and Mahoota, DJ Zinhle, Zozo and Sangre Superbeat.

This year, six-times nominated Mafikizolo will be performing. The duo are on the comeback trail and are tipped to walk away with a few gongs. Also expect DJ Kent, nominated five times, to collaborate with Danny K, and Heavy K featuring Mpumi. Three-times nominated house music group Uhuru - which consists of Maporisa, DJ Clap, Xelimpilo and Mapiano - should create a buzz with their smash hit Y-tjukutja.

Phuzekhemisi and Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be honoured with lifetime achievement awards - joining heavyweights Letta Mbulu, David Gresham, Enoch Sontonga, Jonas Gwangwa, Lucky Dube, Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masekela, and Johnny Clegg.

Others tapped to do some presenting work include Vusi Nova, Lulo Café, Khan Morbee of The Parlotones, and veterans Jabu Hlongwane, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Selaelo Selota.

Live Amp presenter Luthando "Lootlove" Shosha and rapper Reason will host the red carpet segment.

The show will be aired from 8.30pm on SABC1. Tickets for the main ceremony are available from Computicket, and range between R200 and R620.

Kia record of the year winners over the past decade

Mzekezeke, Akekh' uGogo (2004)
Brown Dash, Phans' Komthunzi Welanga (2005)
Ntando, Dali wam (2006)
DJ Sbu, Remember When It Rained (2007)
DJ Sdunkero, Maputo Song (2008)
Rhythmic Elements, 2 by 2 (2009)
Big Nuz ft Dj Tira, Umlilo (2010)
Professor, Imoto (2011)
MiCasa, These Streets (2012)
Sfiso Ncwane, Kulungile baba (2013)

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