THE 17th South African Music Awards nominees announced at a function at Montecasino, Johannesburg, last night have added new impetus to the event as some of the fiercest fights for a statuette are expected.

The quality of music nominated for top honours is beyond question and is a big improvement compared to recent Samas with the Record of the Year category pitting top dogs against each, come May 17.

Among the 20 artists who got the judges' nod are:

• Liquideep (Alone),
• Prime Circle (Breathing),
• Zakes Bantwini (Bum Bum),
• Freshlyground (Fire is Low),
• Arno Carstens (Dreamer),
• Goldfish (Get Busy Living),
• Professor (Imoto),
• Black Coffee and Ringo (Mama),
• Jaziel Brothers (Woza),
• Loyiso (Wrong for You),
• and Jozi (It's A Party).

Other bruising battles for a Sama statuette will be fought out in the Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Duo/Group of the Year, Best Kwaito Album, Best Rap Album, Best Adult Contemporary (African), Best Adult Contemporary (English), Best Traditional Jazz Album, Best Maskandi Album, Best Tsonga Music Album, Best Music Video of the Year and all the four gospel categories.

They are Best Urban Gospel Album, Best Contemporary Gospel Album (to be contested by Benjamin Dube, Group, Mthunzi Namba, Uche and Worship House will battle it out). Best African Traditional Gospel Album are Deborah Fraser, Kholeka, Lundi, Rebecca Malope and Sechaba will clash) and Best Traditional A Capella Gospel Album.