The sixth annual South African Hip Hop Awards (SAHHA) are almost upon us.
The awards, which aim to celebrate achievements within Mzansi’s rap scene, will take place once again at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg on December 13.
Unsurprisingly, the men who rule the radio and music television charts are the most nominated this year throughout the 32 categories.
AKA appears 17 times on the nominees list, as either a solo act, a featured artist or for his work with Anatii.
Cassper Nyovest is nominated 14 times and will be awarded the Milestone Award for his Fill Up Orlando Stadium initiative.
With previous years as an example and at the rate things are going, “Abuti Fill Up” will be given this award every time he attempts to fill up anything.
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Shane Eagle’s Yellow album seems to have been really enjoyed by the judges, to the point that they even deem him a worthy contender for Lyricist of the Year.
Perhaps Rouge’s stellar debut album, The New Era Sessions, was submitted too late for consideration for Lyricist of the Year.
The recipients of last year’s Honourary Award (which celebrates the legends that built SA rap) were Godessa and there were so many technical glitches when it came to them actually being honoured. Maybe this year’s honourees, DJ Blaze and DJ Bionic, will have better luck.
In previous years, etv has been the broadcast partner but this time around, the SAHHAs will be aired on SABC 1.
ARE YOU READY? pic.twitter.com/jRwqMICikz
— RASHID KAY™ (@rashid_kay) October 26, 2017
Last year, comedian and media personality Nina Hastie co-hosted the show with rapper-cum-actor, Ondaground.
This year, Hastie has been named the host with the most and a co-host may be announced closer to the event date.
Here are a few of the most illuminating SAHHA 2017 categories:
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:
1. Rouge
2. Shane Eagle
3. BigStar
4. Zoocci Coke Dope
5. J Molley
BEST ALBUM:
1. Cassper Nyovest - Thuto
2. Stogie T - Stogie T
3. Shane Eagle - Yellow
4. AKA & Anatii - Be careful What You Wish For
5. OkMalumKoolKat - Mlazi Milano
MIXTAPE OF THE YEAR:
1. BigStar - TellAscope
2. Zoocci Coke Dope - Morning Star
3. Youngsta & Ganja Beatz - The Cape & Good Dope
4. Sliqe - Injayam Vol 1
5. J Molley - Dreams Money Can Buy
BEST FEMALE:
1. Nelz - I am
2. Lee STK - Beautiful Black Girl
3. Patty Monroe - Malatjie
4. Rouge - The New Era sessions
5. Megmafia - Barkston Drive
BEST MALE:
1. Cassper Nyovest - Thuto
2. Stogie T - Stogie T
3. Shane Eagle - Yellow
4. OkmalumKooLkat - Mlazi Milano
5. Da L.E.S - Diamonds in Africa
LYRICIST OF THE YEAR:
1. Shane Eagle
2. Stogie T
3. Blaklez
4. Ginger Breadman
5. Youngsta
MILESTONE AWARD: Cassper Nyovest for Fill Up Orlando Stadium.
BEST DIGITAL SALES ARTIST: Kwesta
HONOURARY AWARD: DJ Bionic and DJ Blaze.
SONG OF THE YEAR:
1. Frank Casino ft Riky Rick - Whole Thing (remix)
2. Cassper Nyovest - Tito Mboweni
3. Kwesta ft Thabsie - Ngiyazfela Ngawe
4. Da L.E.S ft Gemini Major - Lifestyle
5. OkMalumKoolKat - Gqi
6. Stogie ft Emtee & Yanga - By Any Means
7. Aka & Anatii - 10 Fingers
8. AKA & Anatii - Don’t Forget to Pray
9. Junior Fe Rocka ft Maraza & Golden Black - Been Thinking
10. AKA - The World is Yours
* The awards take place at Gold Reef City on December 13. Visit sahiphopawards.co.za for the full nominees’ list.