Johannesburg - Grammy-winning house maestro Black Coffee is set to receive the SA Music Awards (Sama) 2022 International Achievement Award this year.
The musician will receive the award in recognition of his prolific international musical career and setting a gold standard of excellence.
According to Sama, since his introduction, Black Coffee has amassed a number of firsts, including being the first DJ to perform at Coachella twice, the first African artist to have his show on Apple Music’s Beat 1 and the first African DJ to win a BET award. In 2022, he became the first African DJ to win a Grammy award for his album SBCNCSLY.
“The multiple Sama winner has additionally invested in building a school and in a music-streaming platform merged with a social networking platform called GongBox that aims to have artists own the rights to their music and allow them to profit in the most positive light,” the organisation said.
Sama further announced that legendary musicians Joe Nina, Jimmy Dludlu and McCoy Mrubata will be the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award this year.
The award recognises musical giants who have significantly contributed to the development, upliftment and advancement of the South African music industry over at least two decades.
Joe Nina is a recipient of three Samas, including the Best African Pop Album (2000 and 2001) and Best Alternative African Music Album (2010).
Sama said that Makhosini Xaba, known as Joe Nina, is one of the pioneers of kwaito and his persistence, creativity and ability to experiment with different genres saw him find expression in kwaito
“Committed to the development of local talent, Joe Nina is a devoted arts activist whose belief in empowerment and economic independence saw him found Killa Joe Records as a platform to transform and economically develop young musicians,” Sama said.
The organisation said Jimmy Dludlu is one of the country’s greatest jazz artists, having taught himself to play his cousin’s guitar at the age of 13 by imitating jazz and African music he heard on the radio.
“This has certainly impacted his own musical style, which displays a wide-ranging set of influences, combining both traditional and modern elements of jazz with African rhythms and melodies,” Sama said.
The organisation further said that saxophonist, flute player, band leader and composer McCoy Mrubata has collaborated with a dazzling array of local and international artists, created scores for South African productions and starred in a Norwegian production based on the life of John Coltrane.
“He has also created what he calls the Oyoung Friends: a collaboration with the next generation of South African jazzmen,” Sama said.
Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) chief executive Nhlanhla Sibisi said Sama was proud to be recognising these national treasures and ambassadors of South African music.
“These acts have not only raised the profile of South African music as a whole, but served to inspire, nurture and cultivate South African talent. Deservedly, these individuals will be presented with these honours at Sun City,” Sibisi said.
These honours will be handed over at the 28th Samas, which will take place on Sunday, August 28 at Sun City.
The Star