SA: Umlazi Arts and Business Awards to launch in Durban

The Umlazi Arts and Business Awards (UMABAs) are designed to celebrate young South African artists and entrepreneurs. The categories for the first annual UMABAs, which are sponsored by the eThekwini municipality, include Best Male Gospel Artist, Best Female Gospel Artist, Bets Hip Hop Artist, Best Media Company and Best Youth Owned Company, among others.

“The UMABAs cater for both arts and business because we are trying to emphasise the importance of blending the two," the organisers said. "The arts are no longer just about performing because there are many stakeholders involved when it comes to revenue. We want to create a platform where the two can be incorporated and fully celebrated without one being more important than the other.”

Young artists and businesspeople who wish to be nominated have been asked to attend the launch where they will be given more information.

“Anyone with a product, project or business that they feel is fit enough to compete will be allowed to enter. These awards are not restricted to Umlazi residents but they are nationwide.”

Nominees will be assigned a unique SMS code that the public will use to vote. The organisers said the SMS system would ensure that votes are fairly audited.

The organisers said the awards could currently only afford to present the winners with a trophy. They said they were in talks with sponsors in order to secure bigger prizes.

“In the long run more opportunities will open up for artists. These are not just awards but a stepping stone. More platforms afterwards will be given and the relationship between artists and awards will continue. Should they need a backup plan, we can refer them to the relevant stakeholders. But it all comes down to the individual on how serious they are about their craft."

The UMABAs are the brainchild of Protec CEO Bongani Mpisane who said the idea to start the awards was inspired by young, hard-working South Africans.

“This project was formulated to empower, support and encourage them to reach out for more and to help them to become established and recognised," he said. “I'm looking forward to hosting an amazing event that South Africa has never seen before. We are not going there to compete but to have fun, network and better each other."

For more updates on the launch, visit the UMABAs Facebook page.