Celebs sparkle at Sama party

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Kelly Khumalo is congratulated by Donald Moatshe after being nominated for the best record at the MTN South African Music Awards while other celebrities look on. Picture: Thys Dullaart

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Johannesburg - More than 1 500 musicans, celebrities, media and fashionistas attended the glamorous MTN Sama 19 party in Sandton on Wednesday night.

The big crowd was entertained by previous Sama winners Mica, Zonke, Lloyd Cele and Big Nuz at The Sands in the heart of the Sandton CBD.

Nominees celebrating included model and pop singer Chiano Sky, who was nominated five times. She was accompanied by her celebrity boyfriend, Ross Jack.

Other nominees who partied into the night included The Muffinz, who are currently South Africa’s “It” boys. They are nominated for four awards - Best Newcomer, Best Album, Best Group and Best R&B/Soul Album.

They have already won a Best Group at the recent Metro FM Awards in Durban. Their performance at the South African Film and Television Awards on Saturday was a highlight of that event.

The group are also set to take the crowd by storm when they play the Hansa Festival of Legends concert, which is happening on Saturday in Newtown, where more than 25 000 people are expected.

The announcement panel at the 19th annual MTN Sama awards included musicians such as Loyiso, Lira, Chiano Sky and Vusi Mahlasela. Picture: Thys Dullaart

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The Muffinz album Have You Heard is expected to dominate this year’s Samas as it has received both critical and public acclaim.

They did not manage to make the list for Record of the Year, which is the only category won by public voting. The list comprises 20 of the most popular songs of the year. The public is then encouraged to vote from now until May 9.

The top five nominees are announced on May 10. Throughout the live broadcast, the public votes for its favourite song in the top five. The winner is then announced in the final category of the evening and the climax of the Samas.

The Kalawa Jazmee label dominates the Record of the Year List with five nominations. There is DJ Zinhle with My Name Is, B.O.P’s Wa Muhle, Black Motion’s Father To Be featuring Dr Malinga, Oskido’s huge hit Tsa Mandebele and DJ Vetkuk vs Mahoota’s Stokvel.

The last track is a surprise nomination as DJ Vetkuk vs Mahoota’s Via Orlando featuring Dr Malinga was the most played track on radio.

MTN Sama 19 takes place on May 10 and 11 at Sun City’s Superbowl. It will be broadcast live on SABC1 from 8pm.

Last night’s party was screened live on www. mtnsama.mobi and their Facebook site. To see the full list of Sama nominees, go to www.tonight.co.za

The Star