First Class Entries for the 15th MTN South African Music Awards

This year there were an amazing 745 entries for South Africa music's most prestigious music awards ceremony, a record number that reflects the immense musical depth and talent in South Africa. These entries came pouring in to the 54 categories that will be contested in MTN SAMA 15, seven of which were added this year to reflect both music's increased presence in the digital domain and those uniquely local sounds that have, up until recently, existed on the fringes.

As always the entrants are an eclectic mix of the old and new, the traditional and the cutting-edge, the popular and the little-known. Legends like Hugh Masekela, Rebecca Malope, Steve Hofmeyr and Ringo are there alongside stalwarts Watershed, Thebe, Juanita Du Plessis and DJ Cleo and rising stars L'vovo, Jesse Clegg, Flash Republic and Siphokazi. It's this refreshing mix, coupled with the support and respect that the awards have built up over the years that will make the 15th Annual MTN SA Music Awards a world-class event.

“The range of categories and sheer variety of the artists at MTN SAMA 15 is reflective of our passion and commitment to contributing to all the different genres of South African music. What we are especially excited about this year is the number of new artists coming to the fore. Through our MTN Loaded service, South Africans of all ages can download some of their latest tracks and really contribute to the growth of South African music,” says Anthony Garstang, senior manager for MTN Sponsorship.

“As the broadcast sponsor of the event and Mzansi's number one television channel, SABC1's solid commitment in support of Mzansi's musicians and artists continues with the MTN South African Music Awards. Channel remains the authentic platform through which artists showcase their creative talents to the rest of the nation,” says Vukile Madlala, channel's Publicity Manager.

The organisers are excited about what this overwhelming response means: “The enthusiasm for the awards remains tremendously high and we are as keen as always to help make a contribution towards the success of South African music by rewarding the passionate particpation with a worthy event,” they say. “The competition's also going to be intense, and when the winners are announced in early May, they will be recognised as true achievers and proud ambassadors for our incredibly diverse, always surprising and constantly developing South African music industry.”

www.samusicawards.co.za