SAMAs open voting for Record of the Year

The 25th edition of the SAMAs will be held in Sun City in the North West province on 31 May and 1 June.

Among the finalists are ‘Fela in Versace’ by AKA featuring Kiddominant and ‘Abangani’ by Sjava featuring Emtee and Saudi. Kwesta is the only artist whose name appears twice: for his own ‘Vur Vai’ and ‘Macala’ by Mlindo The Vocalist, which also features Thabsie and Sfeesoh on the track.

‘Sonini’ by Sun-El Musician featuring Simmy and Lelo Kamau also secured a finalist voting spot.

“The top 10 finalists were unveiled on SABC1's Live Amp this evening [Friday] and the best of the best rose to the top of the pile,” the SAMAs said. “These are the songs that became anthems and that shows in how the public voted for them.”

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi congratulated the artists. “Well done to all the musicians for reaching the last stage of a category that is determined and driven by the public. When we talk about music that reflected the pulse of a nation in dance, it’s these top 10 tracks. Best wishes to all as we head to the finale next weekend in Sun City,” he said.

North West culture, arts and traditional affairs MEC Ontlametse Mochware said: "The list announced today is a clear reflection of the high standard of SAMA25. I am thrilled because this shows we are nearing a memorable climax in this year's event. I urge all of Africa to embrace this South African prestigious award on this Africa month. It's going to be fireworks."

To vote for your favourite nominee go to www.mymuze.com or download the My Muze app from the Google Play Store.

Voters can alternatively SMS the number of their favourite artist to 45887 or dial *120*45887# at a cost of R1.50.

Below are the top 10 Record of the Year nominees and their voting numbers:

• ‘Deeper’ (04) – Holly Rey
• ‘Emazulwini’ (06) – DJ Ganyani ft. Nomcebo
• ‘Sonini’ (07) – Sun-El Musician ft. Simmy & Lelo Kamau
• ‘Fela in Versace’ (08) – AKA ft. Kiddominant
• ‘Shay’inumber’ (09) – Malumz On Decks & Gino Brown ft. Mr.Vince
• ‘Pakisha Dladla’ (10) – Mshunqisi ft. Distruction Boyz & DJ Tira
• ‘Abangani’ (11) – Sjava ft. Emtee & Saudi
• ‘Vur Vai’ (14) – Kwesta
• ‘Macala’ (15) – Mlindo the Vocalist ft. Kwesta, Thabsie and Sfeesoh
• ‘Asphelelanga’ (19) – Vusi Nova ft. Jessica Mbangeni