THE nomination process for KZN Entertainment Awards is flawed.
The confirmation was made by the chairman of these Awards, Xolani Majozi following a series of accusations from aggrieved artists.
Xolani told Daily Sun that none of the nominees were given a chance to accept or decline the nomination.
“We made some errors. None of these nominees were consulted during the selection or nomination process. Our committee merely selected KZN born artists who are doing well in the industry, with the hope that they will later decline or accept the nomination. Those who are not comfortable with the nomination can still decline it,” Xolani told Daily Sun.
These errors caused some of the artists, such Maskandi artist, Mthandeni ‘Igcokamelisha’ Manqele and the co-founder of Durban Jazz festival, Mdu Ngcobo, to pull out of these awards.
On his facebook post, Mthandeni complained that he was never informed about the nomination and demanded that he be removed from the Awards.
Mdu complained of conflict of interest and as a result he pulled out of the awards.
There are also several instances whereby conflict of interest exists.
ALSO READ | ZOLEKA MANDELA REMEMBERS DAUGTHER
For example, Xolani Majozi’s brother, Simphiwe Majozi is nominated under the category of Best Male Actor.
Scathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which is also managed by Xolani, will also be receiving a Special Achievement Award along with Black Coffee, Mbongeni Ngema and DJ Tira.
The media sponsor of these awards, Igagasi FM is nominated in two categories, which is Best Event of the year and Best Radio station. They are competing with a national broadcaster, Ukhozi FM and other local broadcasters, Vuma FM and East Coast Radio.
DJ Tira, Black Coffee and Sjava, who endorsed these awards, are also nominated in various categories. They are also competing in the category of KZN Most loved. The winner in this category stands to win R500 000.
But Xolani defended his brother’s nomination and said: “My brother, Simphiwe Majozi cannot be deprived of his rights merely because I am the chairman of these awards. He is an artist and the decision lies with the public and not the selection committee. Let the public decide if he is the best or not. For that reason, there is no conflict of interest.”
