The glamour and glitz was there, but the South African Music Awards which took place at Montecasino, Fourways north of Johannesburg, was a disaster of monumental proportions
While those who were at home watching the music industry’s biggest event complained of TV glitches, that was nothing compared to those who were actually at the event.
Guests including VIPs were sent from pillar to post as they looked for an entrance to the event held in a dome on Saturday. Some of the guests’ names were not on the guest list, casing tempers to flare up from time to time. When they eventually found their way in, the awards were already on. The signage was so poor that it was a joke even to speak of their existence, making many people hunker for the Sun City experience of the Samas where the awards were traditionally held until this year the organisers decided on Montecasino.
Co-hosted beautifully by TV and radio presenters Phat Joe and Bonang Matheba, the two wore a brave face in the face of the chaos that reigned in the background. There was no single person heard complimenting the organisation of the Samas this year - as the gig was nothing but a good example of bad organisation of an event of this nature.
However the public came in big numbers, dressed to the nines so to speak. It was a place to study fashion trends at the event.
BIG WINS
As the Samas progressed it became clear that this year’s event belonged to Professor who romped home with three awards, the prestigious Song of the Year, Kwaito Album of the Year and the Male artist of the year Awards.
Liquideep was also a big winner as they got two awards - Best Duo or group and the Best album of the Year categories.
Thandiswa Mazwai also demonstrated that she is a force to reckon with as she went home with the Female artist of the Year statuette.
AFTER PARTIES WERE FUN
At the different after parties, it became even clearer that the night belonged to Professor as revelers danced to most of his songs, particularly Jezebel and Imoto.
The after parties held at different venues within Montecasino were actually more exciting than the actual event itself as revelers danced the night away.
The musical event that is one of the biggest entertainment events in South Africa came back in Gauteng after being adopted by the North West Province for a long time.
OUTFITS
The biggest do started on Friday night with the audience dominated by C-lister celebrities at Teatro in the Monte Casino. Some nominated dressed up for the do while others made absolutely no effort. Though the event looked organized, it lacked glamour and glitz.
On Friday, unlike previous years, there was also nothing exciting and fascinating about the yellow carpet.
Musician Louise Carver, Swazi Dlamini and Danny K’s girlfriend Justine Gundelfinger were among the people who dressed to impress.
Zolani Mahola of Freshlyground rocked up with a hideous dress.
ON THE AFRICAN AND WORLD STAGE
With local popular musicians rewarded, legendary local group Stimela also emerged as big winners of the night.
The group that has just celebrated 30 years milestone in this industry got three out four. Stimela won best traditional adult contemporary African DVD, best adult African contemporary album and best remix of the year.
Freshlyground walked away with two awards. The group was scored the best engineered album and best contemporary album in English.
However, the highlight of the night was when the crowd booed Steve Hofmeyr after being declared the winner in the best adult Afrikaans contemporary album category. Hofmeyr, whose personal and racial views have made headlines, did not attend the event due to a commitment.
One of the country’s best musicians, Tutu Puoane who is based in Belgium, won the best traditional jazz album.
'NOT OUR FAULT'
In an unusual fashion, the publicity campaign has released a statement distancing itself from the chaos that reigned supreme at the event.
“Red Flag was contracted by RiSA to handle only media liaison and publicity, therefore we are not privy to any information relating to invitations, ticketing, or accreditation of artists, VIP guests or judges, or the internal processes of RiSA in regards to judge or artist liaison, accommodation, or communication,” said Caroline Hilary, the spokesperson of the company.
PERFORMERS
Performances on Friday were held at the Piazza and Teatro. The audience was entertained by Siphokazi, Goldfish, Freshleyground, Enyonini Mission, and Nomsa Mazwai.
Phat Joe and Bonang Matheba were brave in the face of SAMA chaos
The glamour and glitz was there, but the South African Music Awards which took place at Montecasino, Fourways north of Johannesburg, was a disaster of monumental proportions
While those who were at home watching the music industry’s biggest event complained of TV glitches, that was nothing compared to those who were actually at the event.
Guests including VIPs were sent from pillar to post as they looked for an entrance to the event held in a dome on Saturday. Some of the guests’ names were not on the guest list, casing tempers to flare up from time to time. When they eventually found their way in, the awards were already on. The signage was so poor that it was a joke even to speak of their existence, making many people hunker for the Sun City experience of the Samas where the awards were traditionally held until this year the organisers decided on Montecasino.
Co-hosted beautifully by TV and radio presenters Phat Joe and Bonang Matheba, the two wore a brave face in the face of the chaos that reigned in the background. There was no single person heard complimenting the organisation of the Samas this year - as the gig was nothing but a good example of bad organisation of an event of this nature.
However the public came in big numbers, dressed to the nines so to speak. It was a place to study fashion trends at the event.
BIG WINS
As the Samas progressed it became clear that this year’s event belonged to Professor who romped home with three awards, the prestigious Song of the Year, Kwaito Album of the Year and the Male artist of the year Awards.
Liquideep was also a big winner as they got two awards - Best Duo or group and the Best album of the Year categories.
Thandiswa Mazwai also demonstrated that she is a force to reckon with as she went home with the Female artist of the Year statuette.
AFTER PARTIES WERE FUN
At the different after parties, it became even clearer that the night belonged to Professor as revelers danced to most of his songs, particularly Jezebel and Imoto.
The after parties held at different venues within Montecasino were actually more exciting than the actual event itself as revelers danced the night away.
The musical event that is one of the biggest entertainment events in South Africa came back in Gauteng after being adopted by the North West Province for a long time.
OUTFITS
The biggest do started on Friday night with the audience dominated by C-lister celebrities at Teatro in the Monte Casino. Some nominated dressed up for the do while others made absolutely no effort. Though the event looked organized, it lacked glamour and glitz.
On Friday, unlike previous years, there was also nothing exciting and fascinating about the yellow carpet.
Musician Louise Carver, Swazi Dlamini and Danny K’s girlfriend Justine Gundelfinger were among the people who dressed to impress.
Zolani Mahola of Freshlyground rocked up with a hideous dress.
ON THE AFRICAN AND WORLD STAGE
With local popular musicians rewarded, legendary local group Stimela also emerged as big winners of the night.
The group that has just celebrated 30 years milestone in this industry got three out four. Stimela won best traditional adult contemporary African DVD, best adult African contemporary album and best remix of the year.
Freshlyground walked away with two awards. The group was scored the best engineered album and best contemporary album in English.
However, the highlight of the night was when the crowd booed Steve Hofmeyr after being declared the winner in the best adult Afrikaans contemporary album category. Hofmeyr, whose personal and racial views have made headlines, did not attend the event due to a commitment.
One of the country’s best musicians, Tutu Puoane who is based in Belgium, won the best traditional jazz album.
'NOT OUR FAULT'
In an unusual fashion, the publicity campaign has released a statement distancing itself from the chaos that reigned supreme at the event.
“Red Flag was contracted by RiSA to handle only media liaison and publicity, therefore we are not privy to any information relating to invitations, ticketing, or accreditation of artists, VIP guests or judges, or the internal processes of RiSA in regards to judge or artist liaison, accommodation, or communication,” said Caroline Hilary, the spokesperson of the company.
PERFORMERS
Performances on Friday were held at the Piazza and Teatro. The audience was entertained by Siphokazi, Goldfish, Freshleyground, Enyonini Mission, and Nomsa Mazwai.
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