Zakes Bantwini, an award-winning musician and music producer, may have had a fantastic night at the South African Music Prizes (SAMAs), but it appears he is not particularly fond of awards.
The two-time Sama winner detailed his complaints with the awards in a lengthy statement posted to his personal Facebook page.
Bantwini’s remarks come after DJ Maphorisa, Makhadzi, and Lady Du have expressed their displeasure with this year’s awards ceremony.
In his essay, the music producer acknowledged the status of the SAMAs as the most prestigious music awards in the country, and then reflected on the decline in Sama standards.
“Regrettably the SAMAS have broken our trust, they have devalued the honor and prestige that the awards once represented, there is no integrity in the way the show is produced, the planning, the awarding of artists, or in extending the basic courtesy of RESPECT TO THE ARTIST!!!,” he criticized the awards.
Bantwini won the Highest Radio Airplay Composers Award and Best Collaboration for the hit single “Osama” featuring Kasango following 15 years in the music industry and 28 nominations.
This was supposed to be a moment of celebration, but it has been marred by the low attendance of nominated artists and the corruption in the judging process.
“Unfortunately, this year marks the lowest point of these awards, and I accept them with a heavy heart. The absence of nominated artists is just one indication of what THE ARTISTS THINK OF SAMAS organizers and stakeholders!
“This is the outcome of years of biased judicial systems, corruption, myopia, and a lack of vision,” he wrote.
Bantwini felt obligated to comment since the awards have reached a new low, and he accused the organizers of turning the awards into “a promotional show and a money-making exercise.”
“Let’s all agree that Sama judges have failed artists and music fans alike.
“The moment has come to rebuild our industry,” he wrote.
He concluded his message with a suggestion for radio station Ukhozi FM to likewise do a better job with the New Year’s crossover song.
The crossover song is decided by public polls, however the winner announcement is always controversial.
The Sama record of the year winner Musa Keys for “Vula Mlomo” featuring Nobantu Vilikazi and Sir Trillm has sparked quite a commotion, with amapiano vocalist Lady Du accusing Musa Keys’ manager Nhlanhla Nivo Ndimande of influencing one of the most prestigious categories.
Lesley Mofokeng, Risa communications manager and SAMAs spokesman, informed IOL Entertainment that Nivo disclosed his relationship with Musa Keys from the beginning of their working relationship, and that this was acknowledged, accepted, and allowed by the organizers.
“The results are announced at the end of the show when the’record of the year’ is given, and this is the process that occurred in this instance.”
“I do not comprehend how Nivo may affect that procedure,” he stated.