SAMAS - Drab and glam

The event, which some described as an "epic failure", saw kwaito artist Professor steal the night and scoop two of the biggest awards; best kwaito album and male artist of the year

SOUTH Africans braved the cold and attended the 17th annual South African Music Awards held at Montecasino, north of Johannesburg, at the weekend.

The event, which some described as an "epic failure", saw kwaito artist Professor steal the night and scoop two of the biggest awards; best kwaito album and male artist of the year.

Many people complained that the event was disorganised, especially the ticket and seating arrangements.

Some, including company executives, were told on arrival that their seats were double booked and they had to find alternate seats.

The judges, including Ukhozi FM breakfast show producer Zandile Tembe and Ukhozi FM DJ Sgqemeza, real name Phumlani Mbatha, were left out in the cold after being told there were no tickets for them.

According to Mbatha, he was not given a ticket to Friday's awards as promised and was not given accommodation as per the arrangement.

"I've been judging these awards for the past three years. This is the first time that this is happening, the event has never been this disorganised," said Mbatha.

Mbatha said that he left the venue when, an hour before the event started, he still did not have his tickets.

"The judging process is always a nice one, we do this for the love of music and we don't get paid for it. The least the organisers could do is appreciate that as they usually do," he said.

People on social networks who had attended the awards also said that they were not happy with the event in general.

A tweet by @Leratolicious read: The SAMAs were whack! Worst 1 in all my years of attendance. Shld've stayed home & watched on the telly! #EpicFail

Despite the glitches and concerns, Vusi Mahlasela and Phuzekhemisi, Die Antwoord, Professor, The Arrows featuring Loyiso, gave stellar performances.

Some of the winners were:

• Female artist of the year: Thandiswa Mazwai
• Best kwaito album: Professor
• Group of the year: Liquideep
• Male artist of the year: Professor
• Best pop album African: Kwela Tebza
• Best Pop album, African: Theo Kgosinkwe for his album grateful
• Best urban dance: DJ Kent - I can survive
• Lifetime achievement award: Sipho Gumede and Lance James
• Best music video of the year: The Parlotones - The stars fall down.