SAMAs 2021: Kwaito, amapiano and gqom get own categories

Following years of consolidation, kwaito, amapiano and gqom will be featured under the Best Amapiano Album, Best Gqom Album and Best Kwaito Album categories.

“This move is a reflection of the changing local music landscape as seen in the rise in popularity of these three genres,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said. “The consistent number of entries and the competitiveness of the music justified the unbundling of the old Best Kwaito/Amapiano/Gqom Album category.

“The SAMAs remain relevant and responsive to the trends in the music industry. We look forward to a great run in the new categories. I also wish to encourage our musicians to submit entries for SAMAs consideration before the deadline of midnight on 31 January 2021.”

SAMAs spokesperson Lesley Mofokeng told Sowetan Live that the decision was made following extensive consultations with industry professionals.

“It became abundantly clear that the general feeling was to separate these categories,” Mofokeng told the publication. “It also helped that the number of entries has been consistently sufficient over the years to warrant them as standalone categories.

“This is testament to the popularity of these genres and the growth of our local music industry. We are delighted to witness this step in the right direction and believe that these categories will be hotly contested.”

Entries for the 2021 SAMAs are still open. The call is intended for artists whose music was released between 1 February 2020 and 31 January 2021.