SAMAs 2020 to go virtual this August

The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), which organises the SAMAs, says public voting is still open for the Record of the Year and Music Video categories. The body also said this year's nominees would be announced on social media and My Muze on 9 July.

"We look forward to the SAMA26 virtual experience,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said. “Our teams are hard at work to deliver a show that we will all be proud of given the current state the world is in. I invite you all to tune in, plug in and do it for the culture.”

M-Net director of local entertainment channels, Nomsa Philiso, said: “The SAMAs have always been a platform where talented Mzansi artists have been recognised for their excellence.

"As a channel that has a track record of showcasing local talent across several platforms, we are very proud to be partnering up with SAMA26 to give our viewers front row seats to this virtual showpiece.”

The SAMAs are traditionally held at the Sun City Superbowl in early June. This year's event will run under the theme, ForThaKultcha in 30-minute episodes, apart from the last night, which will feature the 45-minute grand finale. The red-carpet experience and performances will be broadcast on the SAMAs official Twitter page.

“We are proud to partner with the SAMAs this year again," Vodacom executive head for digital and lifestyle Rehana Hassim said. "Our role – especially during this period – is to ensure that people stay connected to everything they love and, through MyMuze.com, are delighted to be the platform that enables people to experience the magic of the SAMAs while staying safe at home. This is made possible by a powerful network with a passion for connecting people.”.

This 2020 SAMAs will be the first music awards in South Africa to host a virtual ceremony since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.