Guest User 9/12/16 Guest User 9/12/16

Cassper Nyovest & Ali Kiba Will Be Performing At The MTV Africa Music Awards

by Phil Chard

MTV Base has just announced that South African Cassper Nyovest and Tanzanian Bongo Flava star and recent Sony Music signee Ali Kiba will be performing at the sixth edition MTV Africa Music Awards on Saturday 22 October 2016 at the TicketPro Dome in Johannesburg.

Cassper will be returning to the Dome following his successful #FillUpTheDome concert last year and his stint as the opening act during Nicki Minaj’s recent SA tour. Cassper Nyovest and Ali Kiba will be performing with Yemi Alade, Nasty C and Babes Wodumo.

Tickets for the awards are on sale now priced ZAR 250 (standing only) via www.ticketpros.co.za, and at Ticketpro retail outlets or dealers. Over 18s only.

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 will broadcast live on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130) on Saturday 22 October at 21:00 CAT.

MAMA 2016 Award Categories

Best Male

Best Female

Best Group

Best Breakthrough Act

Best Live Act

Best Francophone

Best Lusophone

Best Pop/Alternative

Best Hip Hop in association with MTN

Best International Act

Legend Award

Best Collaboration in partnership with Absolut Vodka

Video of the Year

Song of the Year in partnership with Google

Artist of the Year

Personality of the Year in association with DStv

MTV Base Africa Re-Imagined Award

Listener’s Choice

Phil Chard 9/7/16 Phil Chard 9/7/16

Jidenna in Joburg

by Phil Chard

The Swank Daddy Jidenna recently lit up the stage at The Good Luck bar in Johannesburg. We managed to catch some of the best shots from the night in the gallery above.

in my opinion The Good Luck Bar was not the best venue for a strictly musical show. The venue's design and galvanised steel sheet finishing look great for the "New Age Rustique" aesthetic is was trying to create that appeals to the Hipsters, but it does not lend itself well to the acoustics inside or outside the venue. The stage is also situated in the corner so there is a limited viewing angle that had everyone bunched up into one corner. Despite that Jidenna gave a great performance delivering songs that we were familiar with like Classic Man and Little Bit More including a few songs from his upcoming album.

You can view the full album on our Facebook Page

Phil Chard 8/23/16 Phil Chard 8/23/16

This Is What Was Announced At the MTV African Music Awards Event

by Phil Chard

MTV Base Africa just held a lavish event at Emoyeni in Johannesburg where they made a number of announcements regarding this year’s MTV African Music Awards. However, they did not announce any of the nominees for the ceremony, so it was essentially an announcement that was announcing when the actual announcements would be announced.

Despite all that there was still a lot of valuable information shared at the event. We have managed to compress all of that information into a few bite sized factoids;

The 6th MTV Africa Music Awards will be held in Johannesburg 2016 at The Ticketpro Dome on 22 October 2016. This is their first time in Joburg.

Nominees will be competing over 17 different Award categories. Nominees for these categories will be revealed in September. The first batch of nominees will be announced in Johannesburg with a second nominee’s announcement to be held in Lagos, Nigeria.

The run up to the event will include Road to MAMA events featuring MAMA nominees to be held in Durban and Lagos. As well as a music industry workshop for aspiring musicians held on the day prior to the awards (21 October).

The MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 will broadcast live on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130) on Saturday 22 October at 21:00 Other partner stations will start airing reruns after the event. There was no word on whether the event will be streamed, which would be a nice touch considering other Viacom events like the BET Awards are streamed live.

At the event it was also announced that Khuli Chana would be working on a collaborative album titled One Source in partnership with Absolut Vodka. The album will feature collaborations from across the continent.

This year’s #MTVMAMA2016 will be held at the TicketPro Dome in Joburg pic.twitter.com/XbFkCvBzE4

— African Hip Hop Blog (@AfricanHHB) August 23, 2016

@KhuliChana and Absolut partnering up on the release of his new album One Source. Khuli will be Exec Producer. #MTVMAMA2016

— African Hip Hop Blog (@AfricanHHB) August 23, 2016

Announcement of nominees will be done in two cities. Johannesburg and Lagos. #MTVMAMA2016

— African Hip Hop Blog (@AfricanHHB) August 23, 2016

Phil Chard 8/23/16 Phil Chard 8/23/16

The Nominees for the 2016 All Africa Music Awards Are Out

by Phil Chard

So much to my surprise, chagrin, perturbation and general befuddlement, there are two very different awards with the same name, that both celebrate African music. Why it took me so long to piece this together, I do not know. But the nominees for the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have been announced. These however should be confused with the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA). The AFRIMA awards will be held in Nigeria once again from the 4-6 November. A team consisting of 5 regional directors and 54 country directors came up with nominees for this year's awards show.

You can view all the nominees in the slideshow above. Hip Hop nominees include;

Franko and Jovi who are both nominated in the Best Male Central Africa category.

Navio is nominated in the Best Male (East) Category but faces steep competition from Diamond Platnumz and recent Sony signing Alikiba

Sarkodie and Wizkid are part of the Best Male (West) nominees list. Surprisingly Davido, Olamide and Phyno have been overlooked

No Women in Hip Hop Nominated in the West or South Categories

AKA, Anatii and Kwesta all get nods from the South. Surprisingly no Nasty C or Riky Rick . They even Nasty's name from Jump's nomination.

Victoria Kimani from The East gets a nod for Booty Bounce

Voting details will be added once they are relased by AFRIMA

SAVE THE DATE

كونوا في الموعد

ALL AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS

جوائز الموسيقى الإفريقية 2016

NOVEMBER 04-06

04-06 نونبر pic.twitter.com/JvirxViYmY

— #AFRIMA3.0 (@AFRIMAWARDS) August 10, 2016

Guest User 8/21/16 Guest User 8/21/16

The Last Night Of The Refiloe Album Tour In Pictures

by Phil Chard

Cassper Nyovest and rest of the Family Tree roster performed in the last leg of their successful Refiloe Album Tour in Bloemfontein. The tour saw the rapper and his label signees performing across South Africa as well as dates in Botswana and Namibia. Ofentse Tsie managed to catch the special moments from this date.

In retrospect, whatever numbers the tour pulled in, it was a great move forward for the Cassper Nyovest and Family Tree brand. Now we all look forward to see how Cassper will fair when as he attempts to Fill Up Orlando Stadium.

Phil Chard 8/21/16 Phil Chard 8/21/16

Maraza Is Not Here For Shady Promoters

by Phil Chard

Maraza is not here to have shady brands drag his name through the mud. The South African rapper made that painfully clear earlier today in spectacular fashion.

The rapper who has been enjoying his strongest run to date in his decade long career received a tweet from an excited fan about his reported performance at an event in Midrand later that day. The only issue being that Maraza had no idea of this booking nor had he received payment to perform at this show.

Promoters falsely using the names and images of artists to scam fans is sadly not a new practice. However Maraza, who guards his brand the same way I guard my sneaker collection, decided to take things beyond a simple denial to his followers. In an effort to completely clear his name of any wrongdoing he released a series of tweets where he called out the promoters by name and then released a sequence of videos via his instagram account that detail a highly entertaining and dramatic call between Maraza and one of the event promoters.

It was a truly unfortunate event that won't be isolated by any means but I must commend Maraza on protecting his brand so fiercely and ensuring his fans and potential future victims aren't duped. Imagine if every artist did this to shady promoters?

Phil Chard 8/16/16 Phil Chard 8/16/16

Mizizi Clothing Looks To Represent Every Afrikan Country At This Year’s Summer Games

by Phil Chard

Hip Hop and fashion have always been inextricably linked almost as closely as the marriage enjoyed by the culture and the music itself. As Africans looking to etch our own unique identity in Hip Hop finding the line where American influence ends and African inspiration begins has always been an ambiguous demarcation. Paakow Essandoh, the President and CEO of the Florida(USA) based MIZIZI streetwear brand is looking to find a way to merge American Hip Hop apparel with traditional African patterns and national flags in a unique way.

MIZIZI came around the spring of 2014; it was originally conceived in the dining halls of USF. My friend George & I would spend hours just brainstorming ideas on different patterns and designs that could be marketable. We wanted to address the issue surrounding the lack of representation of African pride in Florida, as well as on a global scale. We wanted to uplift that African Self-Esteem within everyone and give them something they can wear stylishly and take pride in.

His clothing line targets Africans the diaspora looking to represent their nations with modern designs. Mizi has also recently launched a campaign titled the The Mizizi Afrikan Games Campaign - unless you have been living under a rock for the past 2 weeks you will understand the significance surrounding the timing of this release.

In light of the excitement surrounding the games this summer, we wanted to have something for everyone so that they would feel represented. In the past, we've had collections that only featured certain countries. This time, we wanted to take it to the next level by introducing something that everyone can be a part of, and no one would feel left out.

The campaign marks the release if Mizizi’s largest collection to date and features a line of Basketball jerseys that represent each and every African nation. The line will only be available for limited time and will soon be discontinued.

In recent weeks social media has been awash with horror tales from disgruntled customers of various online boutiques and stores who felt that they had been swindled by these virtual stores and designers. I spoke to Essandoh about my concerns via email

Because unlike many, MIZIZI is a very customer-centric business. Our process isn't because we are bent on delivering quality- from designs to communications to sales. It's a "for us, by us" model; we identify with our customer, because we are them, so we know what they expect and we commit to exceeding those expectations in every facet.

Website

YouTube

Phil Chard 7/27/16 Phil Chard 7/27/16

Is This The Big FKN Funeral We’ve Been Waiting For?

by Tseliso Monaheng

It's one of the great mysteries of my time why Big FKN Gun aren't the biggest thing there is on earth. They deserve it all breh -- the big-name festivals, big endorsement deals, expensive drugs with hard-to-contact dollar billionaires...you know, the whole LOT! But it isn't the case. Instead, you've the best emcee combo there is in South Africa -- Keith and Bra Sol doubtless rap circles around your top 10-listed rappers -- and the best producer around bar-for-bar, loop-for-loop and what-have-you, in the form of Soulfaktor -- you've this talented lot (including a fourth member Vulane Mthembu) being overlooked.

Like, crickets. Nothing. Silence.

This is so surreal for me!! We are officially NUMBER 1 on the @Yfm #BombChart w/ #GoldTeeth&Carvelas thank u so much to all who supported 🙏🏽

— BIG FKN GUN (@Bra_Sol) January 2, 2016

But could it be that we are missing the whole picture? Their single "Carvelas and Gold Teeth" charted on Joburg-based Gauteng regional radio station YFM's #TheBombChart in January this year. That surely counts for something, no?! As Bra Sol exclaimed, it was a surreal moment when the then-10 month-old single occupied the number 1 position on an influential youth platform. The nod served as an indicator that while the BFG machine might be taking time to get to the forte, it is towering ever so near.

About a week ago, BFG's Facebook account released the tentative artwork for Funeral, the much-delayed sophomore to their Pop Models debut EP. I immediately thought of ScHoolboy Q when I saw it posted on-line! When the US-based rapper released his take on the Michael Jordan meme, many not only thought it was going to be the cover for his Blankface LP, they were as impressed as I was at how he stroke at the underbelly of the meme age -- a photograph of a basketball legend, captured during his 2009 Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech -- owned it, and dragged it down to Donald Trump’s level and back up when he realised the extent to which instant gratification had made us on-line crawlers gullible (he never did say that was the cover).

Featured on the artwork Bra Sol posted are mother and son, Lillian and Desmond Dube. The two well-renowned South African television and theatre performers are also the ambassadors for a funeral services provider. They regularly appear as anchors on the provider’s advertorials which get broadcast on primetime South African television. Adapting the figures into the pop culture mold, and for an EP named Funeral, is indicative of the collective marketing genius I feel the crew should be tapping more into.

Whether the cover will make the cut is yet to be seen. For now, we wait.

Phil Chard 7/27/16 Phil Chard 7/27/16

Who Made The 3rd Annual AFRIMMA Nominees List & Who Was Omitted

by Phil Chard

The AFRIMMAs just announced the nominees for the third edition of their show. Once again the event celebrating AFRICAN music will take place in Dallas Texas on 15th of October.

The list of nominees, though quite extensive is once again it is very skewed towards the West. Notable exceptions are Runtown, Black Coffee (DJ of the year), Olamide (Artist of the Year) .

The Rap category is also filled with some perplexing omissions. E.L does not get a nod despite his incredibly successful year. Stanley Enow has also enjoyed another successful year and is conspicuously not on the Best Rap list but managed to make Best Male Central Africa. Other omissions are Joh Makini, and MI.

CLick To Vote

Artist of The Year

Flavour (Nigeria)

Diamond Platnumz ( Tanzania)

Sarkodie (Ghana)

Wizkid (Nigeria)

Aka (South Africa)

Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

Sauti Sol – Kenya

C4 Pedro – Angola

Song of The Year

Sauti Sol ft Ali Kiba – Unconditional Bae

Franko – Coller La Petite

Reggea Blues – Kcee, Harrysong, Orezi, Iyanya and Olamide

Bisa Kdei – Mansa

Tekno – Duro

Kiss Daniel – Mama

Phyno ft Olamide – Fada Fada

Diamond Platnumz ft Aka – Make Me Sing

Best Rap Act

Phyno – Nigeria

Olamide – Nigeria

Aka – South Africa

Sarkodie – Ghana

Casper Nyovest – South Africa

King Kaka Sungura – Kenya

Octopizzo – Kenya

Prodigio – Angola

Best Collaboration

Reggea Blues – Harrysong , Kcee , Iyanya, Olamide and Orezi

Finally by MasterKraft , Flavour and Sarkodie

Mr. Eazi ft Efya – Skin Tight – Ghana

Diamond Platnumz ft Aka – Make Me Sing

Wizkid X Dj Maphorisa – Soweto Baby

Kiff No Beat ft Dj Arafat – Approchez Regardez

Lil Kesh ft Patoranking – Is it Because I love You

J Martins ft Youssour Ndour – Time is Now

Best Male West Africa

Wizkid – Nigeria

Bisa Kdei – Ghana

Serge Beynaud – Ivory Coast

Olamide – Nigeria

Flavour – Nigeria

Carlou D – Senegal

Davido – Nigeria

Sarkodie – Ghana

Best Female West Africa

Tiwa Savage – Nigeria

Yemi Alade – Nigeria

Efya – Ghana

Vivian Chidid – Senegal

Mz Vee – Ghana

Dobet Gnahore – Ivory Coast

Adiouza – Senegal

Almok – Togo

Best Male East Africa

Eddy Kenzo – Uganda

Diamond Platnumz – Tanzania

Jacky Gosee – Ethiopia

Ali Kiba – Tanzania

Jose Chameleon – Uganda

Bebe Cool – Uganda

Sauti Sol – Kenya

Dynamq – South Sudan

Best Female East Africa

Victoria Kimani – Kenya

Vanessa Mdee – Tanzania

Ester Aweke – Ethiopia

Tsedenia Gebremarkos (Ethiopia)

Linah (Tanzania)

Knowles Butera – Rwanda

Sheebah Karungi – Uganda

Akothee – Kenya

Best Male Central Africa

Fally Ipupa – Congo

Magasco – Cameroon

Ferre Golla – DRC

C4 Pedro – Angola

Stanley Enow – Cameroon

Kyaku Kadaff – Angola

Franko – Cameroon

Fabregas – Republic of Congo

Best Female Central Africa

Anna Joyce – Angola

Laurette La Perle – Congo

Betty Akna – Equitorial Guinea

Charlotte Dipanda – Cameroon

Chikune – Namibia

Daphne – Cameroon

Rennis – Cameroon

Arielle T – Gabon

Best Male Southern Africa

Aka – South Africa

Black Coffee – South Africa

The Dogg – Namibia

Vee Mampeezy – Botswana

Dj Bongz – South Africa

Emtee – South Africa

Roberto – Zambia

Casper Nyomvest- South Africa

Best Female Southern Africa

Zonke – South Africa

Miss Lira – South Africa

Ice Queen Cleo – Zambia

Lizha James – Mozambique

Pah Chihera – Zimbabwe

Nnunu Ramo Gotsy – Botswana

Busiswa – South Africa

Best Male North Africa

Amr Diab – Egypt

Tamer Hosny – Egypt

Chawki – Morocco

Mohammed Hamaki – Egypt

Douzi – Morocco

Saad Lamjareed – Morocco

Khaled -Algeria

Saber Rebai – Tunisia

Best Female North Africa

Samira Said – Morrocco

Ibtissam Tiskat – Morocco

Angham – Egypt

Sandy – Egypt

Amal Maher – Egypt

Latifa – Tunisia

Amani Swissi – Tunisia

Jannat Mahid – Morocco

Best African Group

Sauti Sol – Kenya

Radio & Weasel – Uganda

Os Moikanos – Angola

Bracket – Nigeria

Mi Casa – South Africa

R2bee’s – Ghana

Bana C4 – Congo

Yamoto Band – Tanzania

Crossing Boundaries With Music Award

C4 Pedro (Angola)

Wizkid (Nigeria)

Maitre Gims – (Congo)

Tinie Tempah – Nigeria

MHD – Senegal

Ayo Jay – Nigeria

STL – (Kenya)

Rotimi (Nigeria )

Best Gospel

Frank Edwards – Nigeria

Uche Agu – Nigeria

Willy Paul – Kenya

SP Koffi Sarpong – Ghana

Icha Kavons – Congo

Ntokozo Mbambo – South Africa

Sinach- Nigeria

Sonnie Badu – Ghana

Best Newcomer

Adekunle Gold – Nigeria

Reekado Banks- Nigeria

Harmonize – Tanzania

Falz – Nigeria

Locko- Cameroon

Nathi – South Africa

Kofi Kinaata – Ghana

Humblesmith – Nigeria

Best Video Director

Justin Campos – South Africa

Godfather – (South Africa)

Clarence Peters – Nigeria

Patrick Elis- Nigeria

Mysta Adrenalyne -Cameroon

Enos Olik – Kenya

Phamous Films – Ghana

Savy Filmz – Uganda

Best Dj Africa

Dj Spinall – Nigeria

Dj Joe MFalme – Kenya

Dj Cndo – South Africa

Dj Neptune – Nigeria

Dj Malvado Jnr – Angola

Dj Shiru – Uganda

Dj D-Ommy – Tanzania

Dj Labastille – Cameroon

Best African Dj USA

Dj Tunes – Nigeria

Dj Amin – Ethiopia

Dozzy Ross – Nigeria

Dj Deemoney – Nigeria

Dj Silent Killa – Carribeans

Dj Akua – Ghana

Dj Fully Focus -Kenya

Dj Rell – Sierra Leone

AFRIMMA Video of The Year

Flavour – Champion (Nigeria)

Emma Nyra ft Patoranking – For My Matter (Remix)

Sauti Sol ft Ali Kiba – Unconditional Bae (Kenya/Tanzania)

Bisa Kdei – Brother Brother (Ghana)

Akothee ft Diamond – My Sweet Love Kenya /Tanzania

Stanley Enow ft Aka and Locko – Bounce (Cameroon/South Africa)

Phyno ft Olamide – Fada Fada

Korede Bello ft Tiwa Savage – Romantic ( Nigeria )

Music Producer of The Year

Young John – Nigeria

Masterkraft – Nigeria

Dr Fizol – Uganda

Kaywa – Ghana

Visita – Kenya

Tweezy – South Africa

Tud Thomas – Tanzania

Dj Coublon – Nigeria

Best African Dancer

Kaffy Dancequeen – Nigeria

Ezinne CEO – Nigeria

Brenda Derry – Cameroon

Sherri Silver – Rwanda

La Petite Zota – Ivory Coast

Eddy Wizzy – Uganda

Moses Iyobo – Tanzania

Roxy Roberts –

Dancehall Act of the Year

Timaya – Nigeria

Stonebwoy – Ghana

Buffola Soldier – Zimbabwe

Burna Boy – Nigeria

Mc Norman Ganja -Uganda

Samini – Ghana

Patoranking – Nigeria

Shatta Wale – Ghana

AFRIMMA Caribbean Artist of The Year

Morgan Heritage

Alaine

Machel Montano

Sean Paul

Konshens

Busy Signal

Tarrus Riley

Olatunji

Phil Chard 7/9/16 Phil Chard 7/9/16

Nasty C Involved In A Car Crash

by Phil Chard

One of South Africa's most promising and talented young artist's Nasty C was involved in a serious car accident last night( Friday July 8). The rapper posted a series of tweets and images on his Twitter page that displayed the damage sustained by the vehicle he was travelling in as well as two other vehicles involved in the incident.

I contacted Nasty C’s publicist Pierre Ball who had this to say on the accident

“The car is written off but the guys are fine... We unsure on the condition of the driver that hit them though. We unsure if the guy was drunk. They were crossing an intersection when this guy shot the robot. We unsure if the guy was drunk. They were crossing an intersection when this guy shot the robot.” [sic]

Thankfully the Durban rapper walked away without sustaining any serious injuries.

What we had to go through last night. Thank God I'm okay. Thank you all for the well wishes 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ASNN1Vj6Fm

— Bad Hair (@Nasty_CSA) July 9, 2016

The drunk driver drove straight onto my door side and knocked our car off the road pic.twitter.com/wBCe4IIieu

— Bad Hair (@Nasty_CSA) July 9, 2016

THANK GOD IM NOT TOO COOL FOR A SEATBELT!

— Bad Hair (@Nasty_CSA) July 9, 2016

Phil Chard 7/3/16 Phil Chard 7/3/16

The AHHB Is Planning On Shooting A Series of Short Films On Rape Culture In Africa

by Phil Chard

The African Hip Hop Blog is looking to shoot a series of short films that highlight the massive and terrifying culture of rape on the continent, particularly amongst the men that are part of the Hip Hop culture. If you have ever been a victim of such a crime and want to share your story please read the press release below and get in touch.

The African Hip Hop Blog Wants To Help Facilitate the Discussion Around Sexual Assault

Contact: Kundai Chitsinde FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cell: +27 782 833 622

Email: kundai@africanhhb.com

Tuesday, 5th of July 2016

The African Hip Hop Blog is looking to do a video series that shares stories from women who have experienced sexual assault at a musical event or a night out. We hope that this series will contribute to conversations about rape culture and put faces to the horrifying statistics

If you have a story you would like to share please e-mail Kundai at kundai@africanhhb.com or message The African Hip Hop Blog. Please note that all identities will be kept confidential. Stories can be submitted via e-mail or voice note. Alternatively, a face-to-face interview can be conducted.

For more information please email kundai@africanhhb.com

Website: https://www.africanhhb.com/

ENDS

Phil Chard 6/27/16 Phil Chard 6/27/16

The 2016 Nigerian Entertainment Awards Nominees

by Phil Chard

The Nigerian Entertainment Awards just announced their full list of nominees for the 2016 edition of their awards show. This year the 11th edition of the awards will once again take place in the USA (yes I know I asked the questions last year) on September 4, 2016 in New York City, during the Labor Day weekend.

In terms of Hip Hop related nominees YBNL frontman Olamide is leading the pack with three nominations. Wande Coal , Wizkid, YCEE and Davido all have two nominations. Surprisingly non Nigerian Sarkodie could walk away for with two possible awards on the night , thanks to an international award nomination and for his song Finally with Masterkraft and Flavour.

NEA Hip Hop Related Nominees

Artist Nominations

Olamide 3

Wande Coal 2

WizKid 2

YCEE 2

Davido 2

Sarkodie 2

Runtown 1

Falz 1

Vector 1

MI 1

Phyno 1

Reminisce 1

CDQ 1

Best Album

Y.A.G.I - Lil Kesh

Applaudise - Iyanya

Eyan Mayweather - Olamide

Ghetto University - Runtown

R.E.D. - Tiwa Savage

Stories that Touch - Falz

Seyi or Shay - Seyi Shay

Mama Africa - Yemi Alade

Wanted - Wande Coal

Hottest Single

Oshinachi - Humblesmith

Duro - Tekno

Baba Nla - Wiz Kid

Lagos Boys - Olamide

Mama - Kiss Daniel

Jagaban - Ycee

Best Song

Pick Up - Adekunle Gold

Oluwa Ni - Reekado Banks

Vow - Timi Dakolo

You Suppose Know - Bez

Type of Woman - Iyanya

Go On - Niyola

Afropop Artist

Tekno

Wiz Kid

Tiwa Savage

Kiss Daniel

Chidinma

Davido

R&B Artist

Waje

Niyola

Praiz

Seyi Shay

Dare

Iyanya

Rap Act

Vector

Phyno

Olamide

Reminisce

CDQ

Gospel Artist

Uche Agu

Frank Edward

Nikki Laoye

Sammy Okposo

Obiora Obiwon

Onos Brisibi

Dancehall Artist

Patoranking

Timaya

Cynthia Morgan

Ceeza

Burna Boy

Ketchup

Indigenous Artist

9ice

Flavour

Tillaman

Jaywon

Olu Maintain

Kcee

Alternative Artist

Temidollface

Bez

Mystro

Brymo

Aramide

Timi Dakolo

Best New Act

Niniola

Ycee

Adekunle Gold

Humblesmith

Mz Kiss

Toby Grey

Most Promising Act to Watch

Shobzy

Mr. Eazi

Teeblaq

Spyz

Terry Apala

Coco Benson

Diaspora Artist

Shiikane

Ayojay

Mr. Eazi

Lioness

Duncan Daniels

Stylezz

Best Collabo

Moniegram - Mr. 2Kay ft. Timaya

Romantic - Korede Bello ft. Tiwa

My Woman, My Everything - Patoranking ft Wande Coal

Yaya Oyoyo - Lil Kesh ft. DaVido

Reggae Blues - Harry Song ft Others

Your Number - Ayojay ft. Fetty Wap

Sekem - MC Galaxy ft Swizz Beats

Finally - Masterkraft ft. Sarkodie, Flavour

Best Live Performer

Omawumi

Tuface

Solidstar

Yemi Alade

Dbanj

MC Galaxy

Best Music Video

Emergency - Dbanj Dir. Unlimited LA

Right Now - Seyi Shay Dir. Meji Alabi

Condo - Kuammy Dir. Moe Musa

Karishika - Falz Dir. Aje Films

Duro - Tekno Dir. Patrick Elis

If I Start to Talk - Tiwa Dir. CP

Quality - Pasuma Dir. HG2

Sisi - Sexy Steel Dir. Chad Tennies

African Male Artist Non Nigerian / Africa

Stonebwoy (Ghana)

FA (Liberia)

Sarkodie (Ghana)

Sauti Sol Kenya

Deng (Liberia)

Papa Denis Kenya

Bisa Kdei (GHANA)

Eric Geso LIB

Shattawale (GHANA)

African Female Artist Non Nigerian / Africa

Vannessa Mdee (TANZANIA)

Efya (GHANA)

Lira (SOUTH AFRICA)

MZ Vee (GHANA)

Sheebah Ndiwanjawulo (UGANDA)

Adiouza (SENEGAL)

Victoria Kimani (KENYA)

Knowless Butera (RWANDA)

Music Producer

DJ Coublon

Masterkraft

Young John

Cobhams

Mystro

Jay Pizzle

Phil Chard 6/14/16 Phil Chard 6/14/16

We Got Another Accolade At The African Blogger Awards, Here Is Our Soopy Thank You Speech

by Phil Chard

The African Blogger Awards were last week and after the judges deliberated, tallied the votes, did google searches and debated on who had the prettiest site ( we really don’t know what happens behind that curtain), it was decided that The African Hip Hop Blog is the second best music blog in Africa.

First and foremost we would like to thank the fans, the readers, the link sharers, the retweeters and the commenters. Without you, we would be blogging to an audience of 1. Thank you for trusting us to become a part of your culture. Secondly thank you to the artists, it might not seem like it when it takes us weeks to respond to you or when we constantly reject your music, but it is because of you that we have something to write about. We need you more than you need us and we thank you for entrusting us with your art.

Thank you to the team, who sacrifice countless hours, reading, researching, listening and writing for little reward. You guys are the real MVPs.

Here is a full press release detailing our achievement

The African Hip Hop Blog recognised at the 2016 African Blogger Awards

For the second year in a row year the African Hip Hop Blog has been honoured as one of the continent’s premier blogs at the African Blogger Awards

The African Blogger Awards, which are now in their third year aim to highlight the best blogs and social media influencers from around the continent. This year the awards received over 2,000 entries in 36 categories almost doubling the number of entries from the previous year. The awards gauge metrics such as audience size, blog relevance and how far the blog’s content resonates outsides its own community.

After vetting the 2,000 entries from across the continent, The African Hip Hop Blog was judged to be the second best music blog in Africa. This award comes after the African Hip Hop Blog scooped The Best Blog About Africa prize in 2015– the award’s most prestigious award.

The African Hip Hop Blog was founded in 2008 by Zimbabwean, Ross Hagan while he was a student at Rhodes University. Since then the blog has grown immensely and now has contributors from across the continent. The website is now run by Ross Hagan , Phil Chard (both Zimbabwean) and Twaambo Haamucenje who is a web designer based in Zambia.

“We are all very honoured that our efforts are being recognised and we continue to be rewarded. Thank you to the African Blogger Awards and most importantly our readers for helping us become who we are” said Chard.

“"Thanks to the readers and thanks to the artists. We do it for them.” Said Twaambo Haamucenje.

Phil Chard 6/7/16 Phil Chard 6/7/16

Emtee & Falz Nominated At The 2016 BET Awards

by Phil Chard

Emtee, Falz and Tkay Maidza nominated for a BET Best New International Act Award at this year's BET Awards

The BET Awards just announced the nominee for the coveted BET Awards Viewers’ Choice “Best New International Act” category. Among the nominees are three African Hip Hop acts; Tkay Maidza, Emtee and Falz. Other nominees include Emtee (South Africa), Falz (Nigeria),MHD (France), Tkay Maidza (Zimbabwe/Australia), WSTRN (UK) and Section Boyz (UK).

Watch our BET nominees Playlist

The nominations for both Falz, Emtee & Tkay come off the back of incredibly successful years for the artists. Falz released his debut album Stories That Touch with massive videos like Celebrity Girlfriend and the Clarence Peters directed short film Soldier featuring Simi. He also walked away with an AMVCA for Best Actor In A Comedy.

Emtee has been a force of nature since he stormed into the industry , dominating radio , the charts and sweeping awards in his wake. The Soweto rappers just won two awards at the SAMA awards this weekend as well the four awards he bagged at the Metro FM awards in February.

TKay Maidza is a Zimbabwean born artist who merges Hip Hop and Pop. She relocated to Australia when she was 5 years old. After singing to Universal Music imprint Drew Records in Australia she has released the 2014 Switch Tape, which included videos for Uh-Huh, M.O.B and Switching Lanes.

Fans can vote their favourite act at BET.com or by tagging @BET_intl on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #ipick. Voting for the Viewer’s Choice category is now open, and will close on 22 June at 00:59 CAT.

The 2016 Awards will be hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, and will take place on the 26th of June in Los Angeles, California.

The BET Awards premieres on BET (DStv channel 129) on Tuesday 28 June at 19:00CAT.

The BET Awards will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles from 23-26 June 2016.

Phil Chard 4/23/16 Phil Chard 4/23/16

The 2016 SAMA Nominees & Controversy

by Phil Chard

Award shows, Hip Hop and controversy. They go together like a gourmet meal and fine wine, like a bottle of Patron and a night of bad decisions, like a horse and carriage they are tied at the hip.

Nomuzi said some words

Earlier today I and many others were invited to board a train to the Soweto Theatre where the announcement of this year’s South African Music Awards would be taking place. After the opening remarks from the host Nomuzi Mabena, the SAMA Chairperson Refiloe Ramogase took the stage to provide some insights on what the SAMAs where hoping to achieve this year before plying us with a barrage of catch phrases and slogans for this year’s awards including the particularly witty “The Future Is Hear” tag line.

Unlike previous years, artists and nominees where not invited to take the stage and awakwardly announce the nominees. Instead all nominations where done via a video reel which can also be viewed below.

Things immediately got testy when the nominees in The Best Rap Category were announced. The most notable big omissions were Cassper Nyovest, Tumi and Reason.

In my opinion, despite the fact that Cassper became an award gobbling monster over the last two years (16 and counting) I honestly don’t feel that Refiloe was a strong offering by any means. Outside of Malome the album didn’t really feature any outstanding songs(Cooking in the Kitchen has the potential to be a radio hit, but it’s not my cup of tea either). After only securing 1 award at this year’s Metro FM awards it does feel like Cassper’s incredible momentum is waning in 2016. Surprisingly the rapper who is currently in the USA where he is set to speak to students at Harvard announced that he had deliberately not submitted his music for consideration and would explain in time.

Thanks for all the love.. pls note we deliberately did NOT submit for these awards. I'll explain it all through my music. Stay blessed 😉

— New Album in stores (@CassperNyovest) April 21, 2016

Reason’s Audio Re-Definition was initially meant to be released as a special edition of Audio HD. It sounded more like a compilation than a cohesive album so that effort being overlooked can also be understood.

However the omission of Tumi’s Return of The King has to be the greatest and most puzzling omission since I was not selected for the swim team back in 1996! In our review of the album we lauded the album for being a masterpiece. Return Of The King not being nominated is a massive blemish on the SAMA visage, one that will hopefully be explained. The album was released within the window for nominees – Return Of The King was released in June 2015 while Riky Rick’s nominated debut album was released two months prior in May for example. As a label head himself, I doubt Tumi overlooked the small matter of submitting his work for consideration.

Understandably the rapper was none too pleased after the snub and took to twitter to vent.

Tumi SAMA Rant

Back to those nominated; the last surprise was Kid X’s addition to the nomination list despite ¾ Pace being released and marketed as a free mixtape. Once again, a little clarity around this decision would be appreciated. Granted ¾ Pace is an incredible offering, but is it so incredible it transcends the nomination guidelines? If incredible free releases can be considered I would argue that Nasty_C’s Price City and its follow up Price City Deluxe both deserve consideration. As does Assessa’s Yim Lo Mixtape. As impressive as ¾ Pace may be it is not a better offering that Return Of The King.

There were similar question surrounding the Best Dance category for example with the omissions of Heavy K, Shimza and Prince KayBee. Heavy K and Shimza actually made their way to the event and it was extremely awkward for all parties involved.

Here is the nomination tally for Hip Hop acts.

Artist Nominations

Riky Rick 4

Emtee 4

Fifi Cooper 2

AKA 2

Witness Tha Funk 1

DJ Sliqe 1

Major League DJz 1

Khuli Chana 1

Kid X 1

Da L.E.S 1

Zakwe 1

The 22nd Annual South Africa Music Awards will be taking place on Saturday, 4 June. Tickets to the event are R350 and are available at Computicket.

[toggle title=' Full List Of Nominees.']

Album of the Year

Francois van Coke Francois van Coke

Emtee Avery

Nathi Buyelekhaya

Tresor VII

Black Coffee Pieces of Me

Duo or Group of the Year

Desmond & the Tutus Enjoy Yourself

Witness the Funk Finding Nomusa

Marcus Wyatt & the ZAR Jazz Orchestra One Night in the Sun

Junior Taurus & Lady Zamar Cotton Candy

Big Nuz For the Fans

Female Artist of the Year

Judith Sephuma One Word

Zahara Country Girl

Fifi Cooper 20Fifi

Karen Zoid Drown Out the Noise

Zonke Work of Heart

Male Artist of the Year

Nathi Buyelekhaya

Black Coffee Pieces of Me

Riky Rick Family Values

Emtee Avery

Francois van Coke Francois van Coke

Newcomer of the Year

Riky Rick Family Values

Emtee Avery

Tresor VII

Fifi Cooper 20Fifi

Nathi Buyelekhaya

Best Rock Album

Desmond & the Tutus Enjoy Yourself

Francois van Coke Francois van Coke

Shortstraw Youthless

Karen Zoid Drown Out the Noise

Saarkie Reisiger

Best Pop Album

Tresor VII

Lakota Silva Pop: The Mix Tape

Loki Rothman The Way Back

Can Skylark Overdrive

Vincent Bones Shaded Soul

Beste Pop Album (Afrikaans)

Karlien van Jaarsveld My Hartjie

Brendan Peyper Stop, Wag, Bly Nog ’n Bietjie

Vaughan Gardiner Sit Vanaand op Herhaal

Pierre Rossouw In my Bloed

Suzanne Vuurbestand

Best Adult Contemporary Album

Judith Sephuma One Word

Watershed Watch the Rain

Karen Zoid & Various Republiek van Zoid Afrika Vol. 2

Kahn Salt

Josie Field & Laurie Levine Tigerlily

Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album

Elvis Blue Êrens in die Middel van Nêrens

Andriëtte Pêrel vir ’n Kroon

Neil Somers Hierdie Hande

Bok van Blerk Sing Afrikaner Sing

Stiaan Reynierse Sonde

Best African Adult Album

Dizu Plaatjies & Friends Ubuntu – The Common String

Kabomo Sekusile

Thiwe Soul Therapy

L’wei Netshivhale Mudzimu washu

Jessica Mbangeni Busisiwe – Tribute to the African Heroines

Best Alternative Album

Petite Noir La Vie Est Belle/Life is Beautiful

Sannie Fox Serpente Masjien

The Plastics In Threes

Moonchild Sanelly Rabulapha!

Die Heuwels Fantasties Ja. Nee. Lekker (Deluxe)

Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album

Nathi Buyelekhaya

Zonke Work of Heart

Olwethu Imbewu

Zahara Country Girl

The Muffinz Do What You Love

Best Rap Album

Emtee Avery

Kid X 3 Quarter Pace

Da L.E.S North God

Riky Rick Family Values

Zakwe Impande

Best Kwaito Album

Big Nuz For the Fans

Dbn Nyts Believe

Kabelo Mabalane Immortal Vol. 3

Dj Bongz Game Changer

Mzansi North Coast Vibe

Best Dance Album

Black Coffee Pieces of Me

Mi Casa Home Sweet Home

Mobi Dixon Tribal Soul Special Edition

DJ Merlon Original Copy

Junior Taurus & Lady Zamar Cotton Candy

Best Traditional Faith Music Album

TYGC Family The Journey Begins

Worship House Project 12 Praise Live

Worship House True Worship 2015

Dumi Mkokstad Ukhona Uthixo

Women in Praise Various Artists

Best Contemporary Faith Music Album

Ntokozo Mbambo Spirit and Life

Mark Counihan To the Brave Ones

Mahalia Buchanan Redeemed to Worship

24 Skies Endless Anthem

Benjamin Dube Sanctified in His Presence

Best Maskandi Album

Imithente Ichakijana

Thokozani Langa Khuzeka Mshana

Shwi no Mtekhala Bazali Bami

Buselaphi Gabi Gabi

Phuzekhemisi Woze Durban

Best Jazz Album

Marcus Wyatt & the ZAR

Jazz Orchestra One Night in the Sun

Nduduzo Makhathini Listening to the Ground

Benjamin Jephta Quintet Homecoming

Amandla Freedom Ensemble Bhekisiwe

Bokani Dyer World Music

Best Classical and/or Instrumental Album

Wouter Kellerman Love Language

Guy Buttery Guy Buttery

Deep South Heartland

Cape Consort Christoph & Sebastian

KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Mintirho ya SJ Khosa

Orchestra

Best Live Audiovisual Recording

Jimmy Dludlu Live at Emperors Palace

Krone Krone 2

Ntokozo Mbambo Spirit and Life

Neyi & Omega Friends in Praise

Benjamin Dube Sanctified in His Presence

Best Collaboration

Dbn Nyts ft. Zinhle Ngidi & Trademark Shumaya

Shekinah x Kyle Deutsch Back to the Beach

AKA ft. Redsan, Burna Boy & Stoneboy All Eyes on Me

Major League DJz ft. Cassper Nyovest, Okmalumkoolkat, Riky Rick & Carpo Sylza Tsotsi

Khuli Chana ft. Patoranking No Lie

Best Music Video of the Year

Jack Parow & Freshly Ground Army of One

Riky Rick ft. Cassper Nyovest & Anatii Fuseg

Al Bairre & PH Fat Caviar Dreams

iFani Ayadelela

Monark Negatives Deluxe

Best Produced Album of the Year

Zahara Country Girl

Mi Casa Home Sweet Home

Sannie Fox Serpente Masjien

Mark Counihan To the Brave Ones

Zonke Work of Heart

Best Engineered Album of the Year

Black Coffee Pieces of Me

Brendan Peyper Stop, Wag, Bly Nog ’n Bietjie

Zonke Work of Heart

Mi Casa Home Sweet Home

Marcus Wyatt & the ZAR One Night in the Sun

Jazz Orchestra

Best Remix of the Year

DJ Sliqe Do Like I Do Remix

AKA Baddest Remix

Mobi Dixon My Sugar

Mobi Dixon Never Let Me Go Remix

The Fraternity Bheka Mina Ngedwa Amplified

Veterans to square off against new kids at 22nd South African Music Awards

Five acts are in the race with four nods apiece, with a cross-section of genres sharing the spotlight

Dreamy Afro-soul newcomer Nathi, house music supremo Black Coffee, rising rappers Riky Rick and Emtee, and sultry songbird Zonke Dikana share the nominations spoils at the 22nd Annual South African Music Awards, grabbing an impressive four nods each.

The contenders for this year’s awards were announced amid great excitement and anticipation in Soweto on Thursday, 21 April 2016. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), the official passenger rail transport sponsor, ferried the VIP guests and media on the Metrorail Business Express to the Soweto Theatre, a landmark venue, located in Jabulani in the heart of Soweto, for the nominations “reveal”. Guests were escorted into the venue and then entertained by young performers from the Morris Isaacson High School, which is the very school that played a major role in the Soweto Uprising in 1976, forty years ago.

Chairperson of the South African Music Awards, Refiloe Ramogase welcomed everyone with a poignant speech about the stance that the Annual South African Music Awards have taken this year with the statement that “The Future is Here”. “Soweto not only serves as a reminder of the selfless bravery of our youth 40 years ago, but also reminds us that actions motivated by yesterday, taken today, set the course for the tomorrow. If one is bold enough, one can change not only the course of history, but the course of the future. This is the dawn of a bold new horizon within the Industry; the mass adoption of technology, the rise of the independent label, the endless stream of new distribution channels, seemingly limitless opportunities for cross-genre collaboration, Virtual Reality concerts on your phone, Digital Maskandi, Urban Gospel; all indicators of the transformation of our musical landscape.” Commented Refiloe.

Young blood features strongly in this year’s nominations, with three of the five Album of the Year nominees being breakthrough artists: Emtee, Nathi and Tresor, who’ll be competing against seasoned campaigners Francois van Coke and Black Coffee. The same three young guns will also vie against Riky Rick and Fifi Cooper in the Best Newcomer category.

Van Coke and fellow Afrikaans rocker Karen Zoid made a strong showing, with three nominations apiece. Other artists and bands that have been singled out for creative excellence this year, bagging three nominations each, include jazzman Marcus Wyatt and the ZAR Jazz Orchestra, dance music favourites Mi Casa, house DJ Mobi Dixon, Afro-soul songstress Zahara and acoustic pop-folk sensation Tresor.

The race for Best Male Artist is guaranteed to be a closely fought one, with globetrotting superstar Black Coffee and influential rock rebel Van Coke hoping that experience will see them triumph over the newbies Nathi, Riky Rick and Emtee. In the Best Female Artist category, the three Zs – Zoid, Zonke and Zahara – will slug it out for top honours with Fifi Cooper and Judith Sephuma.

On hosting the 22nd Annual South African Music Awards, The Mayor of the City of Durban, CLLR James Nxumalo said "For us as the City of Durban, we are very excited to host the SAMAs. The City of Durban has worked hard to build its brand, and our partnership with the SAMAs will further strengthen the position of Durban as the number one tourism destination in the country and one of the best in the world. As the City of Durban we are ready to welcome the music and entertainment industry to Durban, the warmest place to be”

The shortlist of nominees for the Amstel Record of the Year will be announced on Live Amp this Friday, 22 April on SABC 1, with the public being invited to vote for their favourite song of 2015. The 22nd edition of the South African Music Awards will take place at the Durban International Convention Centre on Saturday, 4 June 2016, and will be broadcast live on SABC1.

Ticket sales for the 22nd Annual South Africa Music Awards taking place on Saturday, 4 June will be open to the public on Friday, 22 April at 12 noon. Tickets are R350 and available from Computicket.

Notes to Editor:

The annual South African Music Awards are organised by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

The City of Durban is the hosting partner for the Annual South African Music Awards; SABC is the official broadcast partner; Apple Music and iTunes is the Digital Music Partner; PRASA is the transport partner.

SAMA 22 Nominee Announcement will be live streamed from 10am on all SAMA digital platforms.

The new SAMA app is available for all Android devices via Google Play Store and will soon be available on iOS.

Follow the South African Music Awards on the following digital platforms:

Twitter: @OfficialSAMAs (www.twitter.com/OfficialSAMAs)

Website: www.samusicawards.co.za

Facebook: South African Music Awards (www.facebook.com/SAMusicAwards)

Apple/ iTunes Music: www.applemusic.com/SAMA22

Mobisite: www.samatv.mobi

Instagram: @OfficialSAMAs

YouTube channel: samusicawards (www.youtube.com/samusicawards)

Flickr: samusicawards (www.flickr.com/samusicawards)

Guest User 4/23/16 Guest User 4/23/16

The 2016 SAMA Nominees & Controversy

by Phil Chard

Award shows, Hip Hop and controversy. They go together like a gourmet meal and fine wine, like a bottle of Patron and a night of bad decisions, like a horse and carriage they are tied at the hip.

Nomuzi said some words

Refiloe Ramogase

Things immediately got testy when the nominees in The Best Rap Category were announced. The most notable big omissions were Cassper Nyovest, Tumi and Reason.

Thanks for all the love.. pls note we deliberately did NOT submit for these awards. I'll explain it all through my music. Stay blessed 😉

— New Album in stores (@CassperNyovest) April 21, 2016

Understandably the rapper was none too pleased after the snub and took to twitter to vent.

Tumi SAMA Rant

Here is the nomination tally for Hip Hop acts.

Artist Nominations

Riky Rick 4

Emtee 4

Fifi Cooper 2

AKA 2

Witness Tha Funk 1

DJ Sliqe 1

Major League DJz 1

Khuli Chana 1

Kid X 1

Da L.E.S 1

Zakwe 1

The 22nd Annual South Africa Music Awards will be taking place on Saturday, 4 June. Tickets to the event are R350 and are available at Computicket.

[toggle title=' Full List Of Nominees.']

Album of the Year

Francois van Coke Francois van Coke

Emtee Avery

Nathi Buyelekhaya

Tresor VII

Black Coffee Pieces of Me

Duo or Group of the Year

Desmond & the Tutus Enjoy Yourself

Witness the Funk Finding Nomusa

Marcus Wyatt & the ZAR Jazz Orchestra One Night in the Sun

Junior Taurus & Lady Zamar Cotton Candy

Big Nuz For the Fans

Female Artist of the Year

Judith Sephuma One Word

Zahara Country Girl

Fifi Cooper 20Fifi

Karen Zoid Drown Out the Noise

Zonke Work of Heart

Male Artist of the Year

Nathi Buyelekhaya

Black Coffee Pieces of Me

Riky Rick Family Values

Emtee Avery

Francois van Coke Francois van Coke

Newcomer of the Year

Riky Rick Family Values

Emtee Avery

Tresor VII

Fifi Cooper 20Fifi

Nathi Buyelekhaya

Best Rock Album

Desmond & the Tutus Enjoy Yourself

Francois van Coke Francois van Coke

Shortstraw Youthless

Karen Zoid Drown Out the Noise

Saarkie Reisiger

Best Pop Album

Tresor VII

Lakota Silva Pop: The Mix Tape

Loki Rothman The Way Back

Can Skylark Overdrive

Vincent Bones Shaded Soul

Beste Pop Album (Afrikaans)

Karlien van Jaarsveld My Hartjie

Brendan Peyper Stop, Wag, Bly Nog ’n Bietjie

Vaughan Gardiner Sit Vanaand op Herhaal

Pierre Rossouw In my Bloed

Suzanne Vuurbestand

Best Adult Contemporary Album

Judith Sephuma One Word

Watershed Watch the Rain

Karen Zoid & Various Republiek van Zoid Afrika Vol. 2

Kahn Salt

Josie Field & Laurie Levine Tigerlily

Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album

Elvis Blue Êrens in die Middel van Nêrens

Andriëtte Pêrel vir ’n Kroon

Neil Somers Hierdie Hande

Bok van Blerk Sing Afrikaner Sing

Stiaan Reynierse Sonde

Best African Adult Album

Dizu Plaatjies & Friends Ubuntu – The Common String

Kabomo Sekusile

Thiwe Soul Therapy

L’wei Netshivhale Mudzimu washu

Jessica Mbangeni Busisiwe – Tribute to the African Heroines

Best Alternative Album

Petite Noir La Vie Est Belle/Life is Beautiful

Sannie Fox Serpente Masjien

The Plastics In Threes

Moonchild Sanelly Rabulapha!

Die Heuwels Fantasties Ja. Nee. Lekker (Deluxe)

Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album

Nathi Buyelekhaya

Zonke Work of Heart

Olwethu Imbewu

Zahara Country Girl

The Muffinz Do What You Love

Best Rap Album

Emtee Avery

Kid X 3 Quarter Pace

Da L.E.S North God

Riky Rick Family Values

Zakwe Impande

Best Kwaito Album

Big Nuz For the Fans

Dbn Nyts Believe

Kabelo Mabalane Immortal Vol. 3

Dj Bongz Game Changer

Mzansi North Coast Vibe

Best Dance Album

Black Coffee Pieces of Me

Mi Casa Home Sweet Home

Mobi Dixon Tribal Soul Special Edition

DJ Merlon Original Copy

Junior Taurus & Lady Zamar Cotton Candy

Best Traditional Faith Music Album

TYGC Family The Journey Begins

Worship House Project 12 Praise Live

Worship House True Worship 2015

Dumi Mkokstad Ukhona Uthixo

Women in Praise Various Artists

Best Contemporary Faith Music Album

Ntokozo Mbambo Spirit and Life

Mark Counihan To the Brave Ones

Mahalia Buchanan Redeemed to Worship

24 Skies Endless Anthem

Benjamin Dube Sanctified in His Presence

Best Maskandi Album

Imithente Ichakijana

Thokozani Langa Khuzeka Mshana

Shwi no Mtekhala Bazali Bami

Buselaphi Gabi Gabi

Phuzekhemisi Woze Durban

Best Jazz Album

Marcus Wyatt & the ZAR

Jazz Orchestra One Night in the Sun

Nduduzo Makhathini Listening to the Ground

Benjamin Jephta Quintet Homecoming

Amandla Freedom Ensemble Bhekisiwe

Bokani Dyer World Music

Best Classical and/or Instrumental Album

Wouter Kellerman Love Language

Guy Buttery Guy Buttery

Deep South Heartland

Cape Consort Christoph & Sebastian

KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Mintirho ya SJ Khosa

Orchestra

Best Live Audiovisual Recording

Jimmy Dludlu Live at Emperors Palace

Krone Krone 2

Ntokozo Mbambo Spirit and Life

Neyi & Omega Friends in Praise

Benjamin Dube Sanctified in His Presence

Best Collaboration

Dbn Nyts ft. Zinhle Ngidi & Trademark Shumaya

Shekinah x Kyle Deutsch Back to the Beach

AKA ft. Redsan, Burna Boy & Stoneboy All Eyes on Me

Major League DJz ft. Cassper Nyovest, Okmalumkoolkat, Riky Rick & Carpo Sylza Tsotsi

Khuli Chana ft. Patoranking No Lie

Best Music Video of the Year

Jack Parow & Freshly Ground Army of One

Riky Rick ft. Cassper Nyovest & Anatii Fuseg

Al Bairre & PH Fat Caviar Dreams

iFani Ayadelela

Monark Negatives Deluxe

Best Produced Album of the Year

Zahara Country Girl

Mi Casa Home Sweet Home

Sannie Fox Serpente Masjien

Mark Counihan To the Brave Ones

Zonke Work of Heart

Best Engineered Album of the Year

Black Coffee Pieces of Me

Brendan Peyper Stop, Wag, Bly Nog ’n Bietjie

Zonke Work of Heart

Mi Casa Home Sweet Home

Marcus Wyatt & the ZAR One Night in the Sun

Jazz Orchestra

Best Remix of the Year

DJ Sliqe Do Like I Do Remix

AKA Baddest Remix

Mobi Dixon My Sugar

Mobi Dixon Never Let Me Go Remix

The Fraternity Bheka Mina Ngedwa Amplified

Veterans to square off against new kids at 22nd South African Music Awards

Five acts are in the race with four nods apiece, with a cross-section of genres sharing the spotlight

Ticket sales for the 22nd Annual South Africa Music Awards taking place on Saturday, 4 June will be open to the public on Friday, 22 April at 12 noon. Tickets are R350 and available from Computicket.

Notes to Editor:

The annual South African Music Awards are organised by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

SAMA 22 Nominee Announcement will be live streamed from 10am on all SAMA digital platforms.

The new SAMA app is available for all Android devices via Google Play Store and will soon be available on iOS.

Follow the South African Music Awards on the following digital platforms:

Twitter: @OfficialSAMAs (www.twitter.com/OfficialSAMAs)

Website: www.samusicawards.co.za

Facebook: South African Music Awards (www.facebook.com/SAMusicAwards)

Apple/ iTunes Music: www.applemusic.com/SAMA22

Mobisite: www.samatv.mobi

Instagram: @OfficialSAMAs

YouTube channel: samusicawards (www.youtube.com/samusicawards)

Flickr: samusicawards (www.flickr.com/samusicawards)

Phil Chard 4/16/16 Phil Chard 4/16/16

Event News: 16 Bars Reloaded’s Music Unscripted

by Phil Chard

16 Bars Reloaded’s Music Unscripted returns for a third edition on Saturday, 30 April 2016, at 10am at the Museum Africa in Newtown, Johannesburg. Tickets are R50 and can be purchased via bookings on spokenpriestess@yahoo.com

The third edition includes a line-up of industry experts in their various fields who have been brought on to inspire and impart knowledge to those currently in the music industry or those wanting to get into the music industry in one form or another. The industry experts will also host a Q&A session after their talk where attendees will be able to engage with them and ask any questions they wished to be answers.

The line-up includes:

Refiloe Ramogase (@refiloer) - South African Music Awards (SAMA) Chair Person

Slikour Metane (@slikouron) - Music Entrepreneur and artist

DJ C-Live (@c_live) - DJ and Club 808 Content Producer

Monde Dube (@liljackhustler) - Music video producer

Julian Kubel (@ButanWear) - Clothing Entrepreneur (Designer and owner of local street-wear brand Butan Wear)image001

Sheila Afari (@sheilaafari) -PR Entrepreneur (MD and owner of Sheila Afari PR)

by Phil Chard

by Tseliso Monaheng

by Phil Chard

by Phil Chard

by Phil Chard

by Phil Chard

Inspired. Innovative. African