ALTERNATIVE rock band Gangs of Ballet (pictured) made Durban and the rest of South Africa proud when they walked away with the MTV Africa Music Award (MAMA) for best alternative this past Saturday.
The MAMAs, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre, and attended by 3 000 guests, was brought to you by the KwaZulu-Natal province and supported by Absolut. The prestigious awards ceremony celebrates musicians and achievers who have made the most impact on African youth culture throughout the year.
Other Durban nominees included Zakes Bantwini, Big Nuz, DJ Cndo, The Arrows and DJ Tira.
A few weeks back, when Tonight chatted to Gangs of Ballet frontman Brad Klynsmith, he was stoked about being nominated, but never thought it was possible. His exact words were:
“Because there’s so much great competition out there, we’re sincerely happy to be a part of the mix and to be recognised for an awards show like this. We would be really amazed if we win, and it would be such an achievement for us.”
On the band’s Facebook page, the guys posted: “We just won Best Alternative at the MTV Africa Music Awards!! H was there to pick up the award! Thanks MTV ZAMTV Base!! And mad thanks to everyone who voted for us”.
Accepting the award on Saturday night was bass guitarist Hardus de Beer, who thanked the band’s record label, Universal Music Group South Africa, and their fans, “Thank you to everyone who voted and our fans out there. Thank you so much. Cheers.”
It is a win well deserved for the guys and the year’s highlight for Durban and the rest of the country.
• For more info, visit Gangs of Ballet’s Facebook page: facebook.com/GangsBallet