SIYABONGA SITHOLE
The South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) have unveiled its list of nominees for this year following a colourful gala event held at Ridge Casino in Witbank Mpumalanga on Saturday.
The list of more than 125 nominees across 26 categories pits some of the country's leading maskandi, mbhaqanga, reggae artists and traditional poets and praise singers in the battle for top honours to be announced on 1 October 2022.
Tradition-inspired outfits were the order of the day as guests made their red carpet entry into the venue.
Among those nominated in the best traditional outfit category are designers such as David Maimela, Nomusa Mkhonza, Bornwise Khoza and Frank Ramatsetse.
In the category best jazz artist, Fanie Dick (Hard Times), Mthobisi Mthalane(Usizi Lomuntu Omnyama), Dzivha Fundudzi (Muhwee).
Nominees for best traditional poet sees Ntombi Yamutsong Mudogwa (Afrika), Nqobile Msawenkosi Duma (Gabi Gabi), and Lucy Impondokazi (Igama) going toe to toe.
For the best mbhaqanga category, artists such as Trevor TMV (Ukujabula) and Ababekezili (Amaxoki) are vying for top honours, while maskandi artists Gatsheni (Emendweni), Masinga (Sqoko Sembongolo) and uDuma Kahle (Phakathi Komhlane Nembeleko) battle it out.
SATMA CEO Zandile Ndzimande said the awards, which are turning 17 this year, are a celebration of the country's diverse cultures, languages, music and heritage with the theme: My Culture, Your Culture. One Nation.
"As we turn 17 years this year, we are grateful, and we would to thank all the artists nominated in different categories and those who came out to support us today as we reveal the nominees for this year. We look forward to an eventful and colourful event when the winners are announced in October," Ndzimande said.
The ceremony saw performances from the likes of Idols winner Karabo Mogane, Nomfundo Moh and many other cultural groups.
Acting mayor of Emalahleni Municipality, Faith Msibi, said the awards are a show of pride in being African.
"Our traditional music and poetry unites us when we are happy,"she said after reading few lines from former president Thabo Mbeki's I am an African speech.