The inaugural launch of #WawelaMusicAwards 2013

Posted on May 22, 2013

We received the honour of attending the inaugural  launch of  Wawela Music Awards (Wawela means GO BEYOND – the name itself is derived from the Zulu language). These awards aim to celebrate South African musicians who are breaking borders with their music, composition, creativity and not directly aimed at the popularity of an artist within his/her craft.  The awards are open to all  SAMRO members and a variety of composers were selected across the multitude of music genres. Upon arrival we were chauffeured to the venue by a shuttle, which drove us to the venue where the nomination announcement was to take place.  We had welcome drinks and snacks as we waited for proceedings to get underway and got the opportunity to mingle with media and all the invited guests which included Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Sibongile Khumalo and a host of other media personalities. Tiyane Maluleke SAMRO General Manager of Marketing did a great job as MC and getting us all up to speed regarding Wawela2013 Prior to the announcement of nominees, we watched the audio visual conception of this award show and were treated to the sounds of Planet Lindela, an up and coming band consisting of 3 members who hail from Soweto. The list of nominees was screened and songstress Lira got 3 nominations in the categories Best Creative Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year & Best female artist & composer/co-composer. Another big nominee on the day was James Barnard, and other notable nominees included the likes of Nothende, Tumi & the Volume and new comers The Soil. SAMRO Deputy CEO, Sipho Dlamini who highlighted the importance of the awards said: “These awards, the first of their kind in the country, are an important event on the musical calendar,” adding;  “On the night of 28 June, we’ll be gathering to give South Africa’s songwriting trailblazers the recognition that is due to them.” A number of Special Awards will also be handed out on the night, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Breaking through the Borders Award, and awards for Publisher of the Year and Prolific Catalogue of Works. The #WAWELAMusicAwards ceremony, will take place on the  28th of June 2013 at a venue yet to be disclosed is surely going to be a spectacular affair with major industry players in full attendance. And now the nominees are? Best soundtrack in a feature film or theatric documentary: Daniel Baron nominated for Wrongfully Detained Philip Miller nominated for Leaving Father Sven Larsen nominated for Afro Slow Best song or composition in a television production: Alan Lazar nominated for Scandal Gregory Reveret nominated for Loxion Kulca Roots James Barnard nominated for Limpopo Best song...