Entries for music awards close soon

With the exception of a handful of categories, product released between 1s December 2006 and 30 November 2007 will be eligible for entry into 2008's edition of the awards. Those categories where the release date of the album is not considered are Best Selling Album, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Music Video and Record of the Year. The proprietary online entry system for record companies will once again be used for the submission of entries. Entry forms must be completed and submitted online at www.samusicawards.co.za.

Alternatively, RiSA staff have set up a helpdesk at their premises to assist anyone who cannot make use of the online entry system. RiSA's offices are located at Unit 4, 150 Bram Fischer Drive, Randburg.

All material being submitted for consideration must reach RiSA by no later than 30 November.

Where eligibility requirements are concerned, entry is open to any qualifying recording artist, director, producer or engineer – the qualifying factor being someone who has been a legal resident in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, or Botswana for a minimum of six (6) months on the date of entry or is a South African citizen.

For duos or groups, the rules stipulate that not less than 50% of the duo or group needs to fall into this citizenship requirement stated above. In addition, unless stated otherwise, collaborations/productions between qualifying artists and international artists are allowed, provided the South African qualifying artists' participation is given star, or equal, billing.

Rules guiding entry submissions are also available for downloading from the MTN SAMA website – www.samusicawards.co.za – a reference tool that serves as a guideline for the entire process of the MTN South African Music Awards.

This year there are an incredible 62 categories, with enhancements to existing categories and new categories coming from an ongoing desire to reflect the diversity, the dynamism, and the talent that exists in the South African music industry.

Of the 62, 10 categories are not open for entry from 29 October – 30 November.