Sama awards cap ten years

2004-05-29 23:37

Tori Foxcroft

Cape Town - Unathi Nkaya and Tsepho Maseko did a fabulous job of presenting the South African music awards to celebrate "ten years of MTN cellular freedom" along with the tenth edition of the Sama awards during our tenth year of democracy.

Vicky Sampson carried the spirit of the night as she sang My African Dream with conviction in a tight, white, off-the-shoulder gown showing lots of cleavage.

The envelope please

Arno Carstens, as expected, won the award for Best Rock album. In typical style he thanked the crowd and said: "I'll see you in the bar." Earlier, he had sung Another Universe looking sexy in a stylish black T-shirt and jacket.

Best Male Artist award went to Zim Ngqawana, looking very suave all in black for Vadzimu. He also took home the award for Best South African Traditional Jazz Album.

Swazi walked away with the prize for Best Female Artist for My First Love. She was cute, shy and believably humble as she expressed her surprise and gratitude.

The late great Brenda Fassie's name was screamed out by the crowd even before Vulindlela was announced as the winning Song of the Decade by popular vote. There was a standing ovation that almost turned into a dance-a-thon.

There were two awards for Song of the Decade - another one was presented by Chairperson of the Recording Industry of SA, Lazarus Serobi, and it also went to the Township Madonna. Accepting the award, her brother said: "I would like to thank the media at large, EMI and all Brenda's fans."

The top award, for Artist of the Year by popular acclaim, went to Mzekezeke - who ran onto the stage and shared his joy with the nation. His song Akekhu'Gogo was named Song of the Year.

The range of outfits illustrated the great diversity of South African culture. Everyone was dressed their best, with the emphasis on hats and eccentric, creative sartorial style. There were pink top hats, clown wigs, diamante caps and the ubiquitous South African beanie.

The funniest moment of the night was when Steve Hofmeyer got the Best-Selling Release of the Year award, and everyone, including the presenter and the crowd, thought it was a joke.

Get MP3 downloads of your favourite South African music on www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/

- News24