Sama Nominations: Here's the A-list

The highlight of South Africa's awards calendar, the annual MTN South African Music Awards, has announced its selection of the country's best music.

 

The 19th Sama ceremony will be held at Sun City on May 10 and 11 and will be broadcast live on SABC 1.

Industry heavyweights Kelly Khumalo, Khuli Chana, Maleh, Ntokozo Mbambo and The Muffinz have been nominated for album of the year.

Last year rap artists were up in arms when former Sama chief executive Randal Abrahams changed the name of the best rap album category to best street/urban album. This year, the category has reverted to its original title.

This time around some artists expressed disappointment that the awards for best R&B, reggae and soul album have been combined into one category.

MTN Sama chief executive Nhanhla Sibisi said special achievement awards such as international achievement, lifetime achievement and best selling mobile music download will be announced on the night. 

Record of the year is the only category that is voted for by the public, with 20 songs in the category to pick from.

Some that made the selection were Bosso by HHP, DJ Zinhle's My Name Is, Feelings by Zonke and Walking Away by Chianosky.

This year the Sama concert will be held in the Eastern Cape on April 27. No further details were made available.

Album of the year
Kelly Khumalo – The Past, The Present, The Future
Khuli Chana – Lost In Time
Maleh – Step Child
Ntokozo Mbambo – Filled
The Muffinz – Have you Heard?

Duo or group of the year
Blackbyrd – Strong
Desmond & The Tutus – MNUSIC
DJ Vetkuk vs Mahoota – Dinaledi
Freshlyground – Take Me to the Dance
The Muffinz – Have you Heard?

Female artist of the year
ChianoSky- Strong
Kelly Khumalo – The Past, The Present, The Future
Lulu Dikana – This is the Life
Maleh – Step Child
Ntokozo Mbambo – Filled

Male artist of the year
Arno Carstens – Atari Gala
Elvis Blue – Journey
Khuli Chana – Lost In Time
ProVerb – Fourthwrite
Reason – Audio3D

Newcomer of the year
Bongeziwe Mabandla – Umlilo
Khaya – For You
Tailor – The Dark Horse
The Muffinz – Have you Heard?
Toya Delazy – Due Drop Deluxe