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Despite doubts over whether the ceremony was going ahead this year, it's all systems go for the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) this Saturday, and it promises to be spectacular.
News24 went behind the scenes as the organisers put the final pieces of the puzzle in place.
The production team built a fitting set while the hosts, DJ Sabby Mtshali, Nomalanga Shozi, Hope Mbhele and Thuthuka Mthembu, rehearsed on Friday. Performing artists like Langa Mavuso and Loyiso Bala, who will take to the stage on Saturday night, also perfected their acts.
2023 has presented challenge after challenge for the SAMAs organisers. Earlier this year, they admitted they were struggling with sponsorship, citing it as the delay for the event timeline.
The 29th iteration of the SAMAs then hung in limbo after the KwaZulu-Natal government pulled out of hosting the event in October. This after KwaZulu-Natal was announced as the awards host as part of a three-year- partnership with the province's Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTA) at the beginning of this month, when this year's nominees were announced.
However, marred by service delivery woes, the province was criticised and advised against hosting the R20-million event.
Not willing to allow the cancellation of the popular awards show, the organisers announced that the SAMAs would go ahead in collaboration with the inaugural Africa Fest at Time Square in Pretoria.
"It took some nifty footwork and agility to ensure that SAMA29 is saved and staged on the set date.
"We are humbled by the receptive and sympathetic nature of our partners at Africa Fest, who showed that the industry can be stronger when we are together," Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said in a statement at the time.
The nominees for the 29th edition of the awards ceremony were announced at a poorly attended, yet exclusive, event at the Jabulani Theatre in Soweto last month, with AKA and K.O leading the pack with the most nods. Other popular nominees include DJ Maphorisa, Lloyiso and Kelly Khumalo.
The event is expected to be broadcast live on SABC 1.
The red carpet kicks off at 16:00, followed by the non-broadcast awards.
The after-party, courtesy of Africa Fest, will follow at the end of the awards ceremony.
In the line-up are amapiano and other musical heavyweights like Kabza De Small, Makhadzi, DBN Gogo, Samthing Soweto, Kamo Mphela, Pabi Cooper, Nkosazana Daughter, Uncle Waffles, Mas MusiQ, Sam Deep, DJ Stokie and Lesego M.
