The nominees for the Eastern Cape Music Awards (ECMAs) have been released ahead of the award ceremony at the Abbotsford Christian Centre in East London, South Africa, on 7 December.
Zandisile Rhayi, DJ Mizz, Cnoja, Slimtasha and Khanyisa were each nominated four times followed by Xhentsa, Jelariko, Mellow T, Ow35Fam, Melikhaya May and MC Lion with three apiece.
The fourth edition of the ECMAs, which will run under the theme Sin'thanda nonke, aims to recognise talented artists that are born in the Eastern Cape province. The event was conceptualised by renowned talent scout Koko Godlo.
"Participants must expect exciting entertainment at the event," Godlo told Music in Africa. "We've got a very good line-up of artists who are going to perform from Afropop, gospel, amapiano and hip hop so people must expect to enjoy themselves."
Below is the full list of nominees:
Best Zion Artist/Group
- Mthunzini Choir
- ACCZ
- 2014 Emmanuel ACZ
- Joyous CCZ
- Masibulele JCZ
Best New Comer
- Sipho Mkokelwa
- Inga Mfono
- Emjay Joyi
- Xhentsa
- Mzukwana
- Umvemeni Ka Jima
- Zandisile Rhayi
- Thamie Mathe
- Ninkiza
- Sagweba
- Thembelani Ngxali
- DJ Mizz
- Ow35Fam
- Naledi Brown
- Melikhaya May
- Kholo D
- Tru Action
- Cebo
- Cnoja
- Slimtasha
- Joliza
- Othandokuhle
Best Maskandi Group
- Dentist
- Mdakongevayo
- Xhentsa
- Thamie Mathe
- Sagweba
- Othandokuhle
Best Male Artist/Group
- Jelariko
- Gqubemswaneni
- Mellow T
- Sbu
- Samkelo Ngqamza
- 100% Ngobela
- Xhentsa
- DJ Mizz
- Ow35Fam
- Melikhaya May
- Zandisile Rhayi
- Crazy Tulz
- Cnoja
- Adjar Brown
- MC Lion
- U-Qhoffi
Best Hip Hop Artist/Group
- Jelariko
- Adjar Brown
- Khuthele Gcelu
- Crazy Mandie
- Kay Gee
- Ow35Fam
- Mar Air
- MC Lion
- Spinaghetto
- Cnoja
- Slimtasha
- X50
Best Gospel Artist/Group
- Kholo D
- Melikhaya May
- Khanyisa
- Samkelo Ngqamza
Best Female/Group
- Nomdakazaana
- Khanyisa
- Slimtasha
Best EC National Recognised Artist
- Vusi Nova
- Khanyisa
- Nomdakazana
- Mobi Dixon
- Ntando
- Kholeka
- Bethusile Mcinga
- Zahara
- Nathi Mankayi
- Butho Vutela
- Berita
Best DJ
- DJ Mjazz
- Mellow T
- DJ Mizz
Best Community Radio Programme
- Mar Air and Scoopanapie
- King Mfundisi, Siseko
- Hlazo, Manelesi Hilihili
- Jikijwa
- Kay Gee
- Urban Dotye
- Lonic and Barcode
Best Community Radio DJ
- DJ Dololo (Thando Kobese)
- Ayanda Jwayi
- Ntando Kondo
- Jikijwa
- AP (Aphiwe Mdingi)
- Mpesh (Mpendulo Ngcakani)
- DJ ZB (Zuko Balfour)
Best Community Radio Station
- Mdantsane FM
- Forte FM
- Kumkani FM
- UCR FM
- Izwi Lethemba FM
- Vukani FM
- Ngqushwa FM
Best Afro Pop
- Nomdakazana
- Inga Mfono
- Andile Lento
- Naledi Brown
- Mphozisi Qalekiso
- Zandisile Rhayi
Artist of the Year
- Adjar Brown
- DJ Mjazz
- Emjay Joyi
- Mellow T
- Jelariko
- DJ Mizz
- Khanyisa
- Melikhaya May
- Zandisile Rhayi
- Cnoja
- Slimtasha
- MC Lion
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