#SAMA30 blunder: De Mthuda excluded from his own performance

A shocking production error marred the South African Music Awards (Samas) yellow carpet event at the Gallagher Convention Centre on Saturday.

De Mthuda, known for his hit tracks and collaborations, was invited to perform at the event by RiSA and Sjula D Productions but was excluded from his own performance.

According to his management, De Mthuda was asked to wait in his car, only to discover the producers had filmed his performance with featured artists, omitting him entirely.

His management team expressed their disappointment as this was going to be the first public performance of his latest single Diwa Kae.

“How do you package a De Mthuda performance without De Mthuda on stage?” questioned Thabiso Khati, De Mthuda's manager.  

“Despite arriving on time and ready to perform, De Mthuda was left waiting for over an hour. He was eventually asked by production to wait in the car and they said they will him fetch him when it was time. This was because no artist waiting area had been provided. Shockingly, the producers proceeded to film the performance with only the featured artists, completely omitting De Mthuda.”  

The incident raises concerns about the organisation and professionalism of the Samas production.

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi extended his apology on behalf of RiSA and the Sama organising team to De Mthuda and his team in statement shared with TshisaLIVE.

“This incident was regrettable and unfortunate. Artists are the primary custodians of the South African Music Awards and we must accord them the requisite respect.”