Tuku to receive special Wawela Award in South Africa

The announcement was made by the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) on Tuesday 2 August in Johannesburg, where the 2016 WMA nominees were announced.

Mtukudzi, whose prolific career has spawned over 56 albums, will receive the 'Breaking Through The Borders' award. The accolade was designed to recognise the success of artists or groups who excel in reaching audiences outside their own countries. Tuku is no doubt a perfect match for such an award as he has become the most recognised voice to emerge from Zimbabwe.

One of the most popular musicians in Africa, Tuku has earned a devoted following across the globe, touring the world over the past three decades and selling out shows in many countries, including South Africa, the UK, the US and Canada. Recently, on 30 July, Tuku and his countryman Alick Macheso were in the UK to launch their new albums. 

The other recipients of special awards at the WMA this year are prolific South African musician Abigail Kubeka, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, and producer Gabi Le Roux, who will get an award for Prolific Catalogue of Works.

The Wawelas pride themselves in being the only awards in the country that put a spotlight and recognise music composers, lyricists, songwriters and music publishers. Now in their fourth edition, the awards are known for their in-depth appreciation of music composition and songwriting, including music created for television and film to songs for commercials. 

The full list of Wawela nominees is as follows:

Best Soundtrack In A Feature Film Or Theatric Documentary

• Alun Richards
• Nik Sakellarides
• Benjamin Willem

Best Song or Composition in a Television Production

• Orangotang Music
• Joe Niemand
• Benjamin Willem

Best Song or Composition in a Television Commercial

• The Soil
• Alun Richards
• Adam Howard

Best Song or Composition in a Radio Commercial

• Nik Sakellarides
• Louis Enslin
• Adam Howard

Best Creative Album of the Zear

• Maleh
• Wouter Kellerman
• Jack Parsow

Songwriter of the Zear

• Benjamin Willem Jephta
• Tebogo
• Lindiwe Maxolo

Best South African Duo or Group

• Beatenberg
• The Soil
• Black Motion

Best Male Artist and Composer/Co Composer

• Benjamin William
• Zola
• Fabian Sing

Best Female Artist and Composer

• Lindiwe Maxolo
• Maleh
• Naima Kay

SPECIAL AWARDS

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Abigail Kubeka
• Prolific Catalogue of Works: Gabi Le Roux
• Breaking Through The Borders: Oliver Mtukudzi