It seems that not all is lost as the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) are saved at the last minute.
For almost two weeks, everyone was uncertain of whether or not the award ceremony will still take place after the sudden withdrawal of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs of KwaZulu-Natal.
Expressions of disappointment made rounds, but sighs of relief have since come through on Monday morning, 6 November 2023 as the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) announces that the award ceremony will still be happening.
Now music fans and artists can finally start getting their outfits ready for the 29th annual celebration of musical excellence as the SAMAs find a new home in Tshwane.
The ceremony, scheduled to take place on 18 November 2023, will be in collaboration with Africa Fest which boasts a star-studded amapiano line-up and will be the official after party.
The line-up includes Kabza De Small Uncle Waffles, Kamo Mphela, DBN Gogo among others.
With the ceremony set to be broadcasted live on SABC 1 at 8pm, SunBet Arena at Times Square in Menlyn, Tshwane will be abuzz with the big names in the music industry.
“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;” says Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of RiSA.
“This is a display of the Sesotho adage kopano ke matla (unity is strength). They have generously accommodated our programme and will be assisting 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.”
Speaking on the partnership, Arnold Coleske of Africa Fest says that working on the SAMAs as their first inaugural offering is a delight.
“We are delighted to be working with SAMA29 as part of the Africa Fest inaugural offering. When RiSA approached us for this collaboration we saw it as an opportunity for the industry to work together. Our dealings with each other have been seamless, we found a lot of common ground and synergies. This is a big win for South African music.”
