SAMAs Day 4: All the winners

The subtheme for the penultimate episode was titled #ForThaCraft and it celebrated the hard work that goes into creating albums and music videos. The evening started with performances by gospel musicians Dumi Mkokstad and Sbu Noah, who both gave a moving tribute to artists and industry players who passed away in the past year, including Joseph Shabalala, Johnny Clegg, Neyi Zimu and Vukani ‘Chilli M’ Masinga. Dumi Mkokstad sung ‘Ukuhlala Kuye’ while Noah performed ‘Ndikhokhele’.

Electro dance singer Muzi and frequent collaborator Espacio Dios added a touch of tribal flair with the performance of their single ‘Good Vibes Only’ and indie rock band The Plastics delivered a solid performance accompanied by visually appealing graphics. Guest presenters included Zonke, Zwai Bala and Shimza, and comedian Tswyza teamed up with Rebecca Malope, Skhumba Hlophe and DJ Ankletap to keep the audience entertained.

AKA emerged as the fan favourite for the Music Video of the Year Award for ‘Jika’ featuring Yanga Chief. Big honours went to songstress Ami Faku, who clinched the coveted Female Artist of the Year Award for her debut album Imali. MFR Souls, DJ Maphorisa, Vigro Deep and Kabza De Small took the Best Produced Album Award for Scorpion Kings.

Gospel musician Benjamin Dube received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and contributions to the music industry since 1986. In his acceptance speech, he urged South Africans to strive to leave a positive legacy. “My first desire is to please God in everything and the rest will follow,” he said. Dube also walked away with the Best Live Audio Visual Recording Award for the Glory in His Presence DVD.

James Grace claimed the Best Classical Album Award for Andaluza – Music of Spain III. The Best Engineered Album Award went to Peter Auret for Into Dust/Waltz for Jozi, while The Best Produced Music Video Award was won by Ofentse Mwase for ‘Fetch Your Life’ by Prince Kaybee featuring Msaki.

“Tonight was no different, it was a jam-packed episode with lots of emotion and beauty, and we extend our congratulations to the winners for receiving the ultimate award in local music. Tomorrow is a date as we close off the week with a 45-minute finale,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said.

The grand finale of the five-episode event will run under the subtheme #ForThaClub and will be broadcast on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) and My Muze on 7 August from 9.30pm CAT. Viewers will also get to see who walks away with the massive Record of the Year Award.

Female Artist of the Year

• Ami Faku – Imali
• Riana Nel – Sterker
• Lady Zamar – Monarch
• Manu Grace – June
• Spha Mdlalose – Indlel’eyekhaya

Best Classical Album

• Andaluza – Music of Spain III – James Grace
• Vignettes for Violin – Kristel Birkholtz
• Die Tale Van My Hart – Wilhelm Lichtenburg
• Freehand – Charl du Plessis
• Africa Celebrates – University of Limpopo Choristers and the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra

Best Engineered Album

• Into Dust/Waltz for Jozi – Peter Auret
• I Write What I Dream – Robin Walsh
• Isiphithiphithi – Samthing Soweto, Pete Maher and Mas Musiq
• Promised Land – Kurt Michael
• The Return of the Scorpion Kings – Mas Musiq

Best Live Audio-visual Recording

• Glory in His Presence – Benjamin Dube
• A David Kind of Psalm (Live) – Sbu Noah
• Calvary – Dumi Mkokstad
• Krone 6 Live – Krone Various Artists
• Your Word Alibuyi Lilambatha – Kholeka

Best Produced Music Video

• Fetch Your Life – Ofentse Mwase
• Akulaleki – Yolanda Hlakula and Paul Ramaema
• Whipped – Kyle White
• SMA – Kyle White
• Pearls to Swine ft. Tresor & Kid X and Msaki

Music Video of the Year

• Jika by AKA featuring Yanga Chief

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Benjamin Dube