Johannesburg - The South African Music Awards festivities officially kicked off last night, with SAMAs newbie Rouge scooping a major award.
The non-broadcasted industry awards recognises individuals and artists who work on the engineering of a song or album.
Rouge took home the Music Video of the Year trophy but was unable to attend because she was not well.
She, however, sent her mother to accept the award on her behalf. \
The new school rapper excitedly took to Twitter to confirm her win and thank all those who supported her through her journey, even though some people did not believe in her work.
She said: “I just won my first SAMA awards! I wasn't there cause I'm quite sick. I know alot of people didn't expect me to take this... But GOD has me even when everyone counts me out! Thank you to everyone who believed in team rouge.”
I JUST WON MY FIRST SAMA AWARD! I wasn't there cause I'm quite sick. I know alot of people didn't expect me to take this... But GOD has me even when everyone counts me out! Thank you to everyone who believed in team rouge. We officially have a SAHHA, SAFTA and SAMA award#NES pic.twitter.com/p6oCPhikJJ
— Rouge (@Rouge_Rapper) June 1, 2018
Another big winner was gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration, taking a double win for Best Selling DVD and Best Selling Album for Volume 21 ‘Heal our Land.’
Fashion and style have become synonymous with the annual awards and celebrities lit up the red carpet at the Sun City Superbowl stage.
MC Mpho Popps had everyone in stitches with his quirky style of comedy.
Performances by nominees Shane Eagle, Ntando, Tribute Birdie Mboweni, Thabsie, Zoe Modiga, Tresor and Wouter Kellerman got audiences dancing.
Enthusiastic RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said: "Tonight (Last night) has been exceptionally good. We are proud of the nominees and those who emerged as winners. Let this be just the push they need to reach greater heights, we at SAMA salute and honour them."
Communications Director for sponsors the North West Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs, Daddy Sebolecwe said:“The first night set the tone for this year’s SAMA event. We are proud to be part of such a prestigious ceremony.
Day two to of the SAMAs will be broadcast tonight on SABC 2 at 8 pm.
For live updates on the ceremony follow at @TheStar_news or @ReporterStar on Twitter.