JOE Nina is set to be honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the South African Music Awards (Samas).
The singer, who has been making music for more than 30 years, will be honoured alongside fellow legends McCoy Mrubata and Jimmy Dludlu at the awards, to be held at Sun City, North West, on 28 August. He’s also nominated for a Best African Contemporary Album for his album, 2020.
Over the course of his long career, Joe has produced songs for the likes of Brenda Fassie, Nana Coyote, Steve Kekana, Stompie Mavi, and African Jazz Pioneers.
The 48-year-old told Daily Sun that he was happy to be honoured while still alive.
“I feel excited and happy. What makes me happy is that I have not only been nominated, but I’m also getting a lifetime achievement award while I’m still alive.
“This is something I’ve been praying for all my life.
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“In my interviews I also say please celebrate us while we’re still alive,” he said.
Joe told Daily Sun that he felt like he was finally being recognised in his own country.
“It’s always sad that we wait for someone to die to finally celebrate them, so this makes me happy and I hope it won’t end with me. I hope they’ll continue to honour other legends who are still around,” he said.
He’s hoping that the award also makes his dream of building an arts centre in his township of KwaThema, Ekurhuleni, come true.
“I hope that with this, my municipality will take me seriously and give me a piece of land to start this centre. That’s my biggest dream. In the centre, there can be an art gallery, studios and visual studios.
“I would be the happiest man on earth,” Joe said.
