I HAVE been going to the MTN Sama Awards for the past 17 years, yet I have never felt so belittled alongside my other colleagues in the media.

Could it be the change of venue from Sun City to Montecasino? Don't jump the gun, I have nothing against the beautiful, scenic Montecasino, which has become the country's flagship in the hospitality industry.

My concern, is after the circus I witnessed will the organisers pull off hosting the expected 10000 guests?

At the launch in La Toscana, Montecasino, the place was overflowing and it's a wonder there was no stampede. Musicians turned up in great numbers, as did the media and fans.

The queues were so long that they reminded me the first day I queued up to vote in 1994. A function that was supposed to start at 7pm still had people outside at 9.30pm!

The Sama announcements attracted not only wet-behind-the-ears artists but heavyweights like Mbongeni Ngema, who was there with his wife and an entourage of Durban beauties. A racist, crazed wannabe almost bit his head off and told him to get his accreditation. Even as people explained who he was, the man said he did not give a s*** who the h*** Ngema was. The world-renowned playwright and musician remained surprisingly cool and smiling.

Mr Magic, the one and only Linda Sibiya, was there in all his glory. Whoever named him Mr Magic was psychic. The man attracts people like bees to honey.

Speedy and his partner in crime Stoan Seate, with whom he has collaborated on an album, promoting Carducci and GM cars, were there dressed to the nines. As usual Speedy looked American and snazzy, while Seate looked formal in a black suit and Carducci sunglasses. If you did not know him, you would either have mistaken him for somebody from intelligence or a young BEE millionaire.

Tall like a Masai descendant, the ever respectful Siphokazi looked elegant in a catchy cream Victorian shirt. Ntombi Ngcobo, who was with her husband Sizwe Mzolo, looked like the star she is in her shocking yellow weave that served to enhance her beauty. The ever smiling Loyiso Bala was there, greeting all and sundry. And by the end of the evening his and Ngcobo's smiles had broadened with her nomination.

Other artists I spotted in the madhouse included the soulful Tshepiso Motaung, Amu, Selwyn, Theo Kgosinkwe and Zion from Liquid Deep. Jozi got a chance to entertain us with their infectious repertoire but with Bongani Fassie and Crazy Liu gone, it was not the same. However, Ntando Bangane, who was on another stage, really killed it. The man is on fire. Those who saw him at the Birchwood on Friday saw this as a sterling continuation of a star enjoying his craft in his prime.

No matter the time or place, Sbu Leope always has time for his fans . He looks good with all that weight gone and the elegance does not hurt at all. So does Mandoza. He looks slim and sculpted and happy and relaxed.

Most people were not happy with their treatment by the staff at the registration table, the choice of the bursting-at-the-seams venue and the nomination list. As for the nominations, what is new? But leaving Simphiwe Dana out of the mix, does it not make you wonder?

The Samas may have become an important date on the calendar but they did not simply create themselves. Journalists have worked themselves to the bone to put the awards where they are today. We do not need a lack of consideration or to be ill-treated. Respect goes both ways and if someone thinks they have become bigger than the awards, they will learn ubuntu and humility the hard way, or kanjani.