Nathi Mankayi Crowned King In The 22nd Annual South African Music Awards
Sama Award Night was a massive night for Afro-soul sensation Nathi Mankayi, who was crowned King of the 22nd Annual South African Music Awards at the Durban ICC, beating out stiff challenges from established superstars and fellow newcomers alike.
Nathi, whose album and single sent the nation into a collective swoon last year, scooped five awards.
The Awards include best R&B/soul/reggae album, best newcomer best male artiste, best-selling full-track music download and best-selling album of the year.
In the best female artiste category, Zonke took home the laurel, while two of her fellow nominees in that category, Judith Sephuma and Zahara also claimed one SAMA statuette apiece – for best adult contemporary album and best produced album, respectively.
Big Nuz beat out a tough field to claim best Kwaito Album Honours, as well as the trophy for best duo/group of the year.
Another firm local gospel favourite, joyous celebration, claimed success in the best-selling DVD category.
The South African Music Awards is a celebration of excellence, creativity, innovation and development. While the Awards do reward individual talent, they are also a celebration of the strength and robustness of the South African music industry as a whole, demonstrating their world class abilities.
Now in its 22nd year, the growth of the SAMAS is intertwined with the resolve to improve the situation of the youth in South Africa to create a clear, coherent and focused development agenda.
