MUSICIANS are disappointed about a last-minute cancellation of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) by the KZN government.
The 29th Samas were set to take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on 17 and 18 November.
The SAMAs are organised by Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) MEC Siboniso Duma announced the cancellation of the Samas on Wednesday, 25 October.
This is after ActionSA questioned the unplanned controversial R28 million.
Afrotainment boss DJ Tira, who has won the SAMAs more than three times, told Daily Sun that he was disappointed when he heard about the cancellation.
“I don’t want to talk about politics or get involved in politics, but what I can say is that it’s a loss for Durban and a loss for the province.
“To us as artists and record label owners, SAMAs are an encouragement, inspiration, credibility, and recognition. It boosts the artist profile and markets the artist,” he said.
Rapper Big Zulu said he was also disappointed about the cancellation.
“Artists benefit from awards because awards make them when they win, but it also destroys the artists because sometimes the big song does not win.
“SAMAs are better because they have many awards not voted for by the public,” he said.
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Abafana BakaMgqumeni duo leader Nelisani Mseleku said: “SAMAs are different from other awards because they are judged by a panel of 10. Many categories are not voted for besides song of the year, and we win about R10 000.
"They also give us exposure as they're normally broadcast live on TV.”
Vth Season Label boss Raphael Benza told Daily Sun that it’s disappointing that their exclusive evening as creatives to celebrate artists was cancelled.
“The growth of the SA music industry relies on this consistent and prestigious annual ceremony. It’s to our disadvantage, plus a negative perception of the South African music industry to the world.
“The benefits are recognition of your hard work and achievement. A celebration of our creator’s content and talent,” he said.
Samas spokesman Lesley Mofokeng said they have not met for a new development and referred Daily Sun to the statement they released following the cancellation.
“We have a three-year contract with Edtea and will be consulting with our contractual partners, to find out what led to this decision and carve a way forward. As such, we will advise in due course what the next steps for SAMA29 will be," RiSA said in a statement.
