Never mind the guests' dress sense that ranged between the outrageous, matronly and class, the South African Music Awards (Samas) aptly showed that the country's music talent is gradually coming into its own.

Never mind the guests' dress sense that ranged between the outrageous, matronly and class, the South African Music Awards (Samas) aptly showed that the country's music talent is gradually coming into its own.

Boosting local music in the past decade has undoubtedly been the growing support for our artists from South Africans and our compatriots throughout the continent. Without it, local music would still be languishing on the fringes of the international music scene - content with playing second fiddle to American and British fare.

Notably the Samas demonstrated talent in abundance and all the captains of the music industry need to do is invest in its growth and reap the fruits thereafter.

The showcase sparkled with gems such as Afropop songstresses Simphiwe Dana, Siphokazi Maraqana and Lira; magents such as rapsters Flabba and Tumi; kwaito's enfant terrible Kabelo; maskandi kings Shwi no Mtekhala and also Vusi Mahlasela - all setting a blistering pace in their genres.

That said, a downside to local music's growth is the counterfeit menace that threatens the livelihood of many artists.

The Samas failed to drive this message home adequately.