The scoop from the South African Music Awards

Hi DESTINY readers! This year’s South African Music Awards Sweet 16 in Sun City was definitely the most dynamic and vibrant SAMAs I’ve seen – it was really on another level this year!

Everything from the stage production to the lighting, which was multidimensional, with layered LED screens, grid booths and multi-platforms, was spectacular. The international feel was largely thanks to top international director Julia Knowles, who came into the SAMA picture this year.

Not only that, but the SAMAs really had a much stronger presence on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. So not only were there millions of viewers on the TV, but millions were tweeting and facebooking, and really it became much more of an interactive platform this year.

The big winner was Big Nuz – the humble guys from KZN won MTN Record of the Year and Best Kwaito Album. Best Rock Album and Best Music Video went to The Parlotones (who gave a fantastic duet with Louise Carver on multi-stages). Black Coffee won Best Male and Best Urban Dance. Best Female went to the ever-gracious Lira, who looked stunning in a yellow gown by Gert-Johan Coetzee. International Achievement (a new category) went to the Soweto Gospel Choir. Trevor Noah was also fantastic as MC for the second year in a row. 

I also enjoyed presenting the Best Rap Album award (along with the amazingly dynamic Douglas Mosadi of Motsweding FM) to Teargas… The stairs were steep, and I actually changed outfits (Klûk CGDT on the yellow carpet and Pallu for presenting) just to avoid any potential tumbles (my Carmen Steffens heels were high and I was afraid that they might get caught in the long train…) 

The yellow carpet was also fantastic – everything from the dramatic silver African queen Camagwini who was dubbed “Lady Gagagwini” by 5FM’s Anele on Twitter.  Thandiswa Mazwai also had a striking outfit with sharp pointed shoulders and head pieces. Miss South Africa, Nicole Flint, was dressed in a flowing red long dress by Klûk CGDT. Carol Manana was dressed in a gorgeous red beaded gown by Simon Rademan. The Chief of the South African Police, Bheki Cele, arrived looking dapper in his trilby hat and matched his fiancé, who was also dressed in a stunning red and black gown, by Uyanda Mbuli and Diamond Face Couture.

This year was also the best ever for the SAMA goodie bags! R 20 000 worth of digital cameras, cellphones, sunglasses, accessories, designer clothes, flip-flops, sneakers, and VIP memberships! Who needs Hollywood! We’ve got our glam game right here!!

 

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