Represent Review: SAMA 2008 Nominee Event
The Matrix Malema swanned about at this years nominee announcement cosying up with the stars while checking out the scene on our behalf. He brings us his take on the evening in the quintessential Matrix way – click here to see our photostory. Johannesburg’s weather might be wet and overly soggy this season, but the 2008 MTN South African Music Awards will be the Hottest summer event yet, that’s if Thursdays media gathering gets amplified to the next level for May 5th at the SunCity Superbowl.
The Media event started off in a hyped-up mood, with South Africa’s Entertainment Media Personalities facing off to find the freshest scoop on who’ll be doing the outshining at the 14th SAMA ceremony. On Thursday night the up-market Tuscany Manor Mall in the Design District in Fourways was sprawling with bodyguards, beauties and guys, some stars (and some wannabe stars!) for what was dubbed – “The presiding battle horn to the Grandest of All SAMA Events”.
The atmosphere, like any well-organized and respectable party in Johannesburg, featured the sounds of well-remixed turntable favorites. This time the maestro behind the decks was the ever smooth – DJ Bonks from Durban (Ethekwini !!!). Expensive perfumes swirled, divinely garnished platters flowed, and the liquor “kept on coming!” – the stars seemed to glitter brighter than everybody else as they put their best sides on show.
Firstly, DJ Cleo. The ‘DJ from the north’ has optimistically stated that he foresees a very rewarding year ahead (for both record label and the fan base), particularly because his protégé – Blacksem (the masked one) will be dropping a hot new album entitled ‘Confusing the Masses’ in May. I wish them all the luck (they need it), because this new kid on the block (Blacksem – Die gemaskerde een!) looked to me like nothing more than a cheap imitation of the already tired legacy of the original masked one – Izinyoka – Mzekezeke!
After sharing a word and a drink or two with my fellow media compatriots (to gather some A-list intel…”wink!”), I took a siesta moment in the official media room (this is where TV interviews and one on one’s away from the thumping vinyl sounds are secretly conducted). In the comfort of my new “Avant-Garde” space, I managed to have a one-on-one with ProKid, fresh on the heels of his latest album: Heads and Tails. Having listened to and enjoyed his music over the years, I was honoured to spend time finding out more about the person behind the performer. Like DJ Cleo, ProKid also punted a positive beat, only he was (in the Hip-Hop fashion) tres cool about it (hy het vir my lekker gespog…!). ProKid informed me that he’ll be performing more to promote his album and keep doing what he does best – he assures me that this is going to be a super year for his fans (some form of early silver jubilee celebrations?).
Meanwhile back on the Catwalk at CatWalk; the smartly dressed Bouga Luv was confidently directing events as the Master of Ceremonies (MC). Lively performances ranged from the mellow ballads of Danny K, grunge and Afro-Pop to the more spiked up dace moves of the flexible (to state the least) CatWalk dancing Pussycats! Last years big time winner Lesego got the live act going and the crowd screaming for more as I jumped for a photo opportunity with Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) – this one’s for the family album!
With the exception of a handful of categories, albums and songs released between the 1st December 2006 and 30th November 2007 are eligible for entry into the 14th SAMA awards.
Represent wishes all the nominees the best of luck and Representahs, let’s fill the SunCity SuperBowl to absolute capacity come May 2nd 2008.
Be there or be square…
And the nominees for The Top Six Categories are…drumroll….
Best Newcomer
Camagwini – “Zivile”
Molemi – “Amantsi”
Mpumi Dhlamini – “Combined Elements”
Tasha Baxter – “Colour Of Me”
Tumi – “No Guarantee”
Best Male
Black Coffee – “Have Another One”
Chris Chameleon – “Ek Vir Jou”
Hip Hop Pantsula – “Acceptance Speech”
Jimmy Dludlu – “Portrait”
McCoy Mrubata – “The Brasskap Session Vol 1”
Best Female
Karen Zoid – “Postmodern World”
KB – “My Rhythm”
Louise Carver – “Saved By the Moonlight”
Tasha Baxter – “Colour Of Me”
Zonke – “Life, Love `n Music”
Best Duo or Group
Freshlyground – “Ma`cheri”
Ladysmith Black Mambazo – “Ilembe”
Malaika – “Sekunjalo”
Seether – “Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces”
Soul Brother – “Amacala”
Best Hip-Hop/ Rap
Hip Hop Pantsula – “Acceptance Speech”
Jub Jub – My Shine
Molemi – “Amantsi”
PRO – “Dankie San”
Slikour – “Ventilation Mixtape Volume 2”
Best African Pop
Malaika – “Sekunjalo”
Martin Phike – “Martin Phike”
Ntando – “Uhambo Lwam”
Speedy – “Going Live”
Jaziel Brothers – “The Beginning”
Reuben-the Matrix-Malema
