DURBAN kwaito group Big Nuz ignited this year's South African Music Awards and emerged as the biggest winner by taking home the record of the year award on Saturday night.

DURBAN kwaito group Big Nuz ignited this year's South African Music Awards and emerged as the biggest winner by taking home the record of the year award on Saturday night.

The 16th Samas again took place at the Sun City Resorts Superbowl in North West. The place was alive with celebrities, journalists, musicians, producers and unknowns paying homage to this event.

Big Nuz got five nominations and won two awards. Their successful album Undisputed, came out best against Winnie Khumalo's, DJ Oskido's, and that of Rhythmic Elements.

Artist of the moment, Lira once again shone on Saturday. Last year she won three awards and this year she annexed the Best DVD and Best Female album of the year award.

Black Coffee, whose real name is Nathi Maphumulo, surprised everyone, winning two awards. He took the Best Urban Dance Album and the sought-after Best Male record of the year.

Legendary Busi Mhlongo's magic faded as she came far too short.

Mhlongo was up against the best of the best.

The maskandi award went to the late Mgqumeni Kwakhe Khumalo, while the Best Traditional Gospel album was taken by Sechaba Pali.

This year's event was a huge success following criticism that the Samas were beginning to lose their spark. The sound system was great and the stage design and graphics were out of this world.

Celebrities such as Uyanda Mbuli, Bonang Matheba, Matshediso Mholo, Penny Lebyane, Camagwini looked their ravishing best.

Inside the auditorium, all musicians who performed collaborations were magnificent. But, Big Nuz, brought the house down when performing their hit song Umlilo.

Other notable winners were Tshepo Mngoma who won the best newcomer and DJ Cleo took home best selling ringtone and best download.