RiSA announces SAMAs partnership with KZN province

The deal marks a return of South Africa’s flagship music awards to the city Durban after eight years. The ceremony is scheduled for the Durban International Convention Centre on the weekend of 17 and 18 November.

“It’s an honour to partner with the KZN province for what will be a crucial milestone in the SAMA history as we build up to 30 years of the awards and democracy in South Africa,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said. “A lot of thought and planning has gone into ensuring #SAMA29 is a memorable one for all stakeholders involved, especially the lifetime achievers and musicians who have given their all to put out their best work and stand out among the pack.”

Siboniso Duma, member of the executive council for KZN EDTEA, said: “I am happy to announce that we have partnered with RiSA to host the prestigious SAMAs for the next three years as part of our efforts to bolster the economy and tourism within the province and heighten our focus on the arts and creative industry. Hosting an event like the SAMAs enables us to position KwaZulu-Natal as a premium brand and a must-visit destination. We pride ourselves as a province with a good track record of hosting successful events, based on the mega international and domestic events that were hosted in the exceptional Zulu Kingdom.”

He added: “The tourism sector is a key economic driver, and events of this magnitude have a positive tourism value chain. It will increase our hotel occupancy rates, restaurants will be buzzing with patrons, and car-hire services and shuttles will have a flow of clients. In essence, hosting the SAMAs will have impactful economic spin-offs for the province of KwaZulu-Natal.”

The road to #SAMA29, revolving around the three key pillars of music, fashion and lifestyle, includes various activations and activities that will engage a large cross-section of the host province, as well as three other cities outside KwaZulu-Natal.

Meanwhile, the SAMAs have announced the nominees ahead of the big event. View the full list of nominees here.