2019 SA Afro Music Awards: All the nominees

The awards ceremony will be held at a yet to be announced venue on 24 August. Vusi Nova, Sjava and Mlindo are competing in the Best Afro Music Male Artist category while Zahara, Kelly Khumalo and Zonke are vying for the Best Afro Music Female Artist Award.

‘As'phelelanga’ (Vusi Nova), ‘AmaBlesser’ (Mlindo) and ‘Idibala’ (King Monada) are nominated in the Afro Song of the Year category. Amanda Juta, Bongeziwe Mabandla and Mlindo are listed in the Best Afro Music Rising Star category. Albums that are up for the Best Afro Music Album Award are L.O.V.E (Zonke), Manyan-Nyan (Vusi Nova) and Emakhaya (Mlindo).

The SAAFMAs will bestow lifetime achievement awards on the late artists Jabu Khanyile, Stompie Mavi and Nana Coyote.

“The SAAFMAs were launched for the purpose of celebrating our living and commemorating departed music giants, as we recognise and promote the excellence, impact and importance of the Afro music genre,” event organiser China Mpololo said.

“We are pleased to announce that we will also celebrate the 2018 nominees during the ceremony this year, as we had to move out the celebration last year. We have eight categories this year, and we have allowed equal opportunity for each nominee.

“Nominations came from record labels, artists, music executives and industry specialists, as well as fans. Based on the criteria set, the selection committee then sat and came up with a shortlist of three artists per category."

Below is the full list of nominees:

Best Afro Music Male Artist

• Vusi Nova
• Sjava
• Mlindo

Best Afro Music Female Artist

• Zahara
• Kelly Khumalo
• Zonke

Best Afro Soul Music Artist

• Musa
• Nathi
• Vusi Nova

Best Afro Adult Contemporary Artist

• Ntsika
• Lady X
• Wandile Mbambeni

Best Afro Music Album

• L.O.V.E – Zonke
• Manyan-Nyan – Vusi Nova
• Emakhaya – Mlindo

Best Afro Music Rising Star

• Amanda Juta
• Bongeziwe Mabandla
• Mlindo

Best Afro Group

• Stimela
• Afro Soul
• Encore

Afro Song of the Year

• ‘As'phelelanga’ – Vusi Nova
• ‘AmaBlesser’ – Mlindo
• ‘Idibala’ – King Monada