Mafikizolo score top nods
2003-10-06 07:47
Johannesburg - New kids on the block, Mafikizolo, have lived up to their reputation after receiving five nominations for the forthcoming Metro FM music awards.
This follows their feat at the South African Music Awards (Sama) at the Sun City Superbowl in April when the group won awards for best African pop and best group for their hit song Ndi Hambanawe.
This time around the trio, comprising Theo Kgosinkwe, Nonhlanhla Mafu and Tebogo Madingoane, have proven beyond doubt they are still the hot favourites, with the public having voted for them in five categories.
They feature in the best group, album of the year, song of the year, best African pop and best-styled group or artist.
Zola is close behind with nominations in four categories - best male vocalist, best kwaito, song of the year and best-styled group or artist. He shares his success with Unathi Nkayi, who is featured on the hit song Sana Lwam.
Kabelo Mabalane has become a force to be reckoned with since coming out of drug rehabilitation. He has two nominations - for best kwaito and best male vocalist.
Lira, Loyiso and H20 have three nominations each, signalling the growth of R&B and hip-hop.
Backstage star KB is nominated in two categories.
Out of favour?
However, it's something of a mystery that unmasked kwaito star, Mzekezeke, who scooped the coveted artist of the year and song of the year at Sama for his song S'Guqa Ngamadolo, was not voted for in any category.
Mduduzi "Mandoza" Tshabalala, Brenda Fassie and Mapaputsi are also nowhere to be seen.
However, Mzekezeke's manager, Thembinkosi "TK" Nciza, said they were not affected by the fact that Mzekezeke had not been nominated.
"We were just surprised. How can an artist who has won song of the year not make it in any of the categories? Next year's Sama awards will prove Mzekezeke's calibre," he said.
The awards ceremony, sponsored by the Ethekwini municipality, will be held at the Durban international convention centre on November 15.
Voting for nominations for 15 of the 16 categories began on August 18 and the organisers say the response has been incredibly positive.
Artists will vie for best male vocalist, best female vocalist, best newcomer, best R&B, best kwaito, best African pop, best jazz, best gospel, best group, album of the year, song of the year, best club DJ, best-styled artist/group, best hip-hop group, best compilation and the Metro FM special awards.
It has been an ongoing trend that the same artists win awards every year but hopefully some interesting new artists will make it to the top in 2003.
Last year Rebecca Malope won the best gospel award, Brenda Fassie the best African pop and Revolution was the best club DJ.
The best song was Izinja by Mapaputsi, the best album Zabalaza Project B by Brothers of Peace, who also won the best group, and the best jazz artist award went to Judith Sephuma.
Lesley Ntloko, Metro FM station manager, says supporting South African music should be an ongoing process, and the awards are one way of engaging Metro FM's listeners.
"The outcome of the nominations lies in the public's hands, as they decide who will be honoured. It is clear now that these awards are entrenched in the minds of the music-loving public and they are taking ownership of the awards," he said.
"Metro FM has also added three new categories, which are in line with the direction the music industry is taking in South Africa. They are best hip-hop, best compilation and a Metro FM special award."
Other finalists include Brown Dash and Andy for best newcomer, Tamara Dey for best female vocalist and Ringo Madlingozi will compete with a newly established group called Malaika in best African pop.
Hugh Masekela, Ernie Smith and Selaelo Selota are nominated for best jazz award.
Rebecca Malope, Joyous Celebration and Redeem are vying for the best gospel award.
Voting is still open and the voteline is 084 191 800.