The hotly anticipated Nominations Announcement for the 19th Annual MTN South African Music Awards (MTN SAMA 19) was made at an expectant and media filled press conference at The Turbine Hall in Newtown today, Wednesday, 20 March. Newcomers dominated the announcement with new sensation Toya Delazy’s stunning album Due Drop Deluxe receiving 6 nominations; Newcomer of the Year, Best Pop Album, Record of the Year, Best Producer with Jax Panik and twice for Remix of the Year, one each with Pascal & Pearce and ClassyMenace.
Hot on her heels is another newcomer, ChianoSky with 5 nominations from her debut album, Hungry, including Record of the Year and Best Producer with Crighton Goodwill. The chasing pack contains The Muffinz, DJ Vetkuk vs. Mahoota alongside BlackByrd with 4 nominations each. In the “Album of the Year” category industry heavyweights Kelly Khumalo, Khuli Chana, Maleh, Ntokozo Mbambo and The Muffinz go head to head in what is sure to be one of the highlights of the night.
The “Duo or Group of the Year” category will be a fiercely contested affair as DJ Vetkoek vs. Mahoota, BlackByrd, Desmond & The Tutus, The Muffinz and Freshlyground vie for the much-coveted statuette. “Female Artist of the Year” sees a strong field of nominees, namely ChianoSky, Kelly Khumalo, Lulu Dikana, Maleh and Ntokozo Mbambo. “Male Artist of the Year” will be another epic battle on the night as the likes of Arno Carstens, Elvis Blue, Khuli Chana, Proverb and Reason vie for top honours.
The hotly contested “Newcomer of the Year” category is one to watch out for as Toya Delazy, The Muffinz, Tailor, Bongeziwe Mabandla and Khaya go head to head in the battle of the new breed of music icons. Speaking after the launch about the 10th year celebration as headline sponsors of the 19th Annual MTN SAMA, Serame Taukobong, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN SA said: “MTN SAMAs are the epitome of the South African Music Industry calendar. Ten years later, through this sponsorship, we remain committed to supporting the development and growth of our music industry, which continues to flourish both locally and on the international arena thanks to the hard work done by the musicians, bands, producers, managers and technicians. Congratulations to all nominees and we look forward to seeing you at the main event.”
The nominee announcements, which were streamed live on Facebook and mobile, were made by a star studded MTN SAMA 19 panel which consisted of previous SAMA Award winning artists Vusi Mahlasela, Ray Phiri, AKA, Mafikizolo, DJ Sbu and Zonke. MTN SAMA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi, Chief Marketing Officer MTN SA Serame Taukobong and Acting General Manager of SABC 1 Sam Mpherwane joined them. “We have some of the most exciting categories in years and this tells me that the 19th Annual MTN South African Music Awards at the Sun City Superbowl are sure to leave an indelible mark on the face of South African music and we cannot wait for 10 – 11 May 2013”, said MTN SAMA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi.
