The 27th edition of the SA Music Awards is for the books. The virtual affair, recorded in a Johannesburg studio under strict Covid-19 level 4 lockdown protocols, will be broadcast on 31 July 2021 on SABC1 at 8pm.
The curtain raiser will be a special red carpet programme flighted on Real Goboza at 7.30pm also on SABC1.
In a year that saw further devastation by Covid-19 pandemic, safety was a priority in the curation of the SAMA27 show.
While it may not be on the grand scale of Sun City Superbowl, the proudly South African show brings the heat packed with only the best local entertainment and a star-studded line up of celebrity presenters.
Hosts Lawrence Maleka and Bontle Modiselle Moloi strike up admirable rapport as they guide proceedings along.
A bevy of performers, who are some of the nominees this year, engender the spirit of celebration and excitement.
The performances range from the sublime to the high energy and they boast some of the top drawer names such as Langa Mavuso, Sjava, Buhlebendalo, Big Zulu, Bucy Radebe, Azana and Boity.
On the presenters’ front radio and TV personalities DJ Speedsta, Lamiez Holworthy and DJ Sabby, podcasters MacG and Sol Phenduka, Miss Soweto Thobile Steyn and Motsweding FM personality Ltk.
More than 40 gongs will be handed out on the night including the newly unveiled Best Amapiano Album, Best Gqom Album and Best Kwaito Album. History will be made when the first ever public-voted Artist of the Year award will be presented. Other categories voted for by the public are Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
The competitive top 5 categories: Album of the Year, Sofnfree Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, White Star Newcomer of the Year and Duo/Group of the Year are also keenly watched.
Nhlanhla Sibisi, RiSA CEO commented:
“I wish to commend the team that worked tirelessly putting together the SAMA27 virtual show, our sponsors and partners. It remained a moving target from the start until the end, but we soldiered on. Even under the stifling level 4 lockdown regulations the show went on, against all odds we made it.
“I invite South Africans from all walks of life to come together, and for two hours forget about the challenges we face as a nation and the world. Let’s celebrate our culture and the musicians who have worked so hard to keep us entertained and inspired during these difficult and unpredictable times. A hearty congratulations to the winners in advance.”