First it was Lady Du.
Now it is musician Zakes Bantwini. The Osama hitmaker has called out the South African Music Awards for going down to the ‘lowest point’. He won his first SAMAs this weekend after years of nominations.
The musician believes the SAMAs have broken the trust of the artists. He didn’t hold back as he called out the organisers, saying there is no integrity in how the awards are now done.
“For over two decades The SAMAs have been the highest accolade that could be bestowed on South African artists and have represented a standard of creative excellence that marked the height of success to those in the creative sector.
“Regrettably, the SAMAs have broken our trust, they have devalued the honour and prestige, which the awards once stood for, there is no integrity in the way at which the show is being produced, the planning, the awarding of artists & in extending the basic courtesy of RESPECT TO THE ARTIST!!!,” he posted.
“After 15 years of a career I have given my life to, I earn my first two awards, after over 28 nominations and years of being overlooked I finally checked a major milestone in my career.”
He received his awards with a heavy heart, he continued. “The lack of attendance by artists nominated is just one signs of what THE ARTISTS THINK OF SAMAS organisers and stakeholders!
“This is a result of years of the judging processes being unjust, corruption and myopic thinking and a lack of vision.
“Our coveted award show depicts a looted SOE and reeks of nepotism and traces of bureaucracy.”
Zakes said he had no words to describe his shock and disappointment.
“This year we witnessed a disgraceful act which robbed us of national pride, these awards have become a slap in the face to soo many. Let’s all agree that SAMA judges have failed us both as artists and as music fans. It’s time we build our industry again.”
After not being nominated nor invited, Lady Du voiced her concerns about the awards as well.
“I have one of the most streamed songs in the country, but I wasn’t nominated and neither was I invited to attend or perform,” she says.
“Also, What are the nomination criteria?
“These labels are the ones controlling the industry and until I am signed, I probably will not see a SAMA. But I will not work for a record label that will exploit me.
“There are many artists who deserve to perform at the awards and many who deserve nominations but did not get them,” she adds.
“It's obvious that these nominations are paid for.”
