SAMAs announce top 10 finalists in public voting categories

The announcement comes ahead of the awards ceremony at the Sun City Superbowl in Rustenburg on 28 August.

The nominees of the public categories, which are sponsored by TECNO mobile and SAMPRA, were first announced in June, with DJ Maphorisa leading the pack with six nominations. Following the public voting, DJ Maphorisa now leads four nods, while Kabza De Small and Busta 929 have two.

“After a competitive few weeks of campaigning, the cream of the crop have emerged in our public voting categories,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said. “As RiSA we commend these artists on the impeccable work that has earned them their place among the top 10. We urge music fans to use our SMS to continue voting for these artists. We wish them all the best and look forward to applauding them in Sun City where we hope to interact with fans as well.”

SAMPRA chief marketing officer Tiyani Maluleke said: “Congratulations to all the nominees who have made it to the Top 10. As SAMPRA, we are incredibly proud to be part of this journey and we wish you all of the best.”

TECNO ZA head of marketing Frank Qu said: “As proud sponsors of the Record of the Year and Music video of the Year awards, TECNO Mobile wishes to congratulate the top 10 nominees in these categories. This level of recognition is a great achievement in and of itself. Artistic expression is at the heart of South African culture. As a brand that celebrates the pursuit of excellence and creativity, we are thrilled to be a part of an event that celebrates musical talent.”

The public can vote as follows:

• SAMPRA Artist of the Year – Dial *120*33121# and select 1.
• TECNO Music Video of the Year – Dial *120*33121# and select 2.
• TECNO Record of the Year – Dial *120*33121# and select 3.

Note: USSD is charged at R1.50 per minute for every vote and free minutes do not apply. Voting lines will close at 9pm on 28 August. Tickets to the event are available here.

Below are the top 10 finalists in public voting categories:

TECNO Record of the Year (ROTY)

• Abalele – Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku
• Adiwele – Young Stunna ft. Kabza De Small
• Asibe Happy – Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku
• Banyana – DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU ft. Daliwonga, Sir Trill and Kabza De Small
• Black And White – Nasty C and Ari Lennox   
• I’m With You – Matthew Mole
• Osama – Zakes Bantwini and Kasango
• Phakade Lami – Nomfundo ft. Sha Sha and Ami Faku
• Umsebenzi Wethu – Busta 929 and Mpura ft. Zuma, Mr Jazziq, Lady Du and Reece Madlisa
• Vula Mlomo – Musa Keys ft. Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi

TECNO Music Video of the Year (MVOTY)

• Ghanama – Makhadzi ft. Prince Benza
• Indlovu – DJ Zinhle ft. Loyiso
• Izolo – DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU ft. Mpura, Daliwonga and Visca
• Jola – De Mthuda ft. Sino Msolo and Da Muziqal Chef
• LiYoshona (Main Mix) – Kwiish SA ft. Njelic, MalumNator and De Mthuda
• Mmapula – Busta 929 ft. Mzu M
• Nkulunkulu – Kamo Mphela
• Phakade Lami – Nomfundo Moh ft. Sha Sha and Ami Faku
• Summer Yo Muthi – Blaq Diamond
• Yini Sdakwa – ThackzinDJ, Tee Jay and Sir Trill ft. Dlala Thukzin, Nkosazana Daughter, Rascoe Kaos, Moscow and Mpura

SAMPRA Artist of the Year (AOTY)

• AfroToniQ
• A-Reece
• Brandon Dhludhlu
• Emtee
• Haksul MUZIQ
• Jennifer Zamudio
• Makhadzi
• Millie Ngwalangwala
• Musa Keys
• Rodger KB