THE announcement of the Metro FM Music awards nominees last night prove that South Africa is split over rappers AKA and Cassper Nyovest.
The pair, who have had a tumultuous relationship in the past, will battle it out again as they have emerged as the top contenders in the awards to be held in Durban next month. Cassper Nyovest leads the pack with an incredible seven nominations while AKA follows closely with six.
The two find themselves entangled in four categories which include Best Hip Hop Album, Best Male, Best Music Video and Song Of The Year.
The last time something similar happened was at the Channel O Music Video Awards last November, where Cassper Nyovest emerged victorious.
Another worthy contender is Teargas’s KO who also flies the hip hop flag that got him five nominations.
Known for his hit track, Caracara, among others, KO is credited as one of the architects of the new South African genre of hip hop, Skhanda, which fuses elements of kwaito and traditional rap.
If he wins an award, it would probably wipe away the memory of his walking away empty-handed at the last Channel O awards despite being a top nominee.
Outside hip hop, there is the poster boy and house music maestro Donald, who has been a constant feature at these awards. He managed to scrape only three nominations – a far-cry from what was expected of him.
Beyond his voice and on-stage antics that often include ripping off his shirts a la Hulk Hogan, Donald makes great musical videos that push boundaries, yet he is not nominated in the Best Music Video category.
In the two that he is nominated – Best Dance Album and Best Male Album – he faces stiff competition from Black Motion and Cassper Nyovest.
The gospel scene resurrects the likes of Lundi Tyamara who is up against Rebecca Malope, Khaya Mthethwa and Sifiso Ncwane.
Unlike in previous years when female musicians also had a claim to the bulk of the nominations, this year will be different.
Afrosoul singer Naima Kay emerges as the top female contender with a mere three nominations.
Next, is a sprinkling of female artists, including Kelly Khumalo (two nominations), Moneoa Moshesh (one nomination), Unathi Msengana (one nomination) and Wanda Baloyi (one nomination).
Added to the list is Bucie, whose material has been on high rotation and yet she only scored one mention.
Dr Malinga interestingly returns to the scene as a nominee in the best newcomer where he faces the likes of Musa (2013 Idols winner) and DJ Dimplez.
The awards – supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, City Of Durban, BP South Africa, SA Express and Brandhouse – will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Conference Centre on February 28 and will be broadcast live on SABC1 at 8pm.