IT’S been a busy and hectic two weeks for the South African Music Awards (Samas) as the organisers were looking for a new venue.
On Wednesday, 25 October, they were dumped by the KZN government, which was supposed to host the awards at the Durban ICC in Durban.
They are back on their feet and have found a new venue.
The SAMAs announced that the awards will be held on Saturday, 18 November, at the SunBet Arena in Tshwane.
In a statement, they revealed that they would partner up with Africa Fest and will co-host the event.
ALSO READ | DJ Jawz embraces bums!
“In what is hailed as a show of unity by the music industry, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) is proud to announce that SAMA29 will be hosted in collaboration with Africa Fest.
“After a few days of uncertainty sparked by the sudden withdrawal of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) of KwaZulu-Natal, a new home for the prestigious music awards has been secured, and music fans can heave a euphoric sigh of relief,” they said.
CEO of RiSA, Nhlanhla Sibisi, said they are grateful to Africa Fest for helping them.
“It took some nifty footwork and agility to ensure that SAMA29 is saved and staged on the set date. We are humbled by the receptive and sympathetic nature of our partners at Africa Fest, who showed that the industry can be stronger when we are together,” he said.
“This is a display of the Sesotho adage kopano ke matla (unity is strength). They have generously accommodated our programme and will assist in ensuring that the awards run as smoothly as possible with the highest production values, befitting the calibre of our musicians. I have no doubt that it will be a memorable one,” Sibisi said.
The award ceremony will also be broadcast on SABC 1 at 8pm.
