Bontle Moloi and Lawrence Maleka to host 2021 SAMAs

“I’m incredibly excited to be part of the SAMAs,” Moloi said. “It comes full circle for me because I hosted the SAMA25 red carpet, so now to be on the main stage is mind-blowing, and to be trusted with this huge responsibility is humbling. Also considering the times we are in, the SAMAs are a big medium and an honorary celebration of our musicians and talents who have gotten the people through the toughest of times.

“To do it next to a consummate professional, one of my favourite talents is a thrill. We meet together again, and to be held, guided, supported and elevated by him is something I cherish. Let SAMA27 be beautiful and memorable, something that lightens up people’s lives in these tough times.”

Maleka said: “I’m grateful for the call-up to host the SAMAs. The work we do is magical, whether it’s music, television or the arts, we always hope that it resonates with complete strangers that we reach out to. I’m particularly happy to be working with Bontle. We have a big-brother, little-sister relationship and it has been great to rekindle it. We are bringing a show that will for two hours help the nation forget about the climate we are in.”

More than 40 awards will be presented at the 2021 SAMAs, including the newly unveiled Best Amapiano Album, Best Gqom Album and Best Kwaito Album accolades, with the public voting for the Artist of the Year Award for the first time. Other categories voted for by the public include Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year.