Geraas Music Awards - Afrikaans music to receive well earned recognition

These additions are aimed at not only recognising the variety of talent in the Afrikaans music scene, but also allowing the GMT to evolve alongside the dynamic Afrikaans music industry.

"Afrikaans music is thriving but not everyone is aware of it, which is why we created the awards" says Erik De Jager, Executive Producer of Threshold Collective – the producers of Geraas (broadcast every Wednesday night at 6pm on SABC2). "There are young contemporary artists who are proud of their culture doing exciting new things and taking it forward. There are artists consistently selling thousands of CDs and packing out concert venues. Where there was a void was in the lack of recognition of this talent. GMT not only rewards Afrikaans musical achievements, but also make sure that people know what is going on."

In contrast with the trend in both national and international music award ceremonies, the GMT has decided to reduce the entry fee per category to R200 in the interest of giving independent artists a fair chance at competing with the bigger, more established artists.

The categories judged this year include Best Adult Contemporary Album, Best Album of the Year (both previously won by Amanda Strydom for her album Op 'n Klein Blou Ghoen), Best Jazz Album (previously won by Paul Hamner), Best Rock Album and Best Newcomer (both previously won by Karen Zoid). Other categories include Best Compilation, Choral, Classical, Gospel, Boeremusiek, Country and Pop Albums with the Best Pop Album previously won by Johannes Kerkorrel.

Five of the awards for 2003 are not open to entries – the Lifetime Achievement Award (previously won by Anton Goosen), Most Stylish SA Artist (a new category), Best Selling Afrikaans Album (won by Juanita Du Plessis), Best SA Music Event (won by the KKNK), and Best Live Performer (previously won by Theuns Jordaan). There are also two categories decided by public vote, namely: 'Song of the Year' and 'Best Live Performance'. In these categories five finalists will be appointed, with the public deciding who walks away as the winner. The public will also have the option of nominating an artist of their choice for an award in these categories. To nominate an artist, members of the public can fax their nomination (and the category for which they are nominating the relevant artist) to (011) 880-5504, or email their choice to .

The Geraas Music Awards will take place 17th November at a glittering ceremony at The Globe Theatre, Gold Reef City. Belboks – the interactive Afrikaans music show on SABC2 - will broadcast live from the event. The GMT will be broadcast on SABC2 on 19th and 26th November in the regular Geraas time-slot, with a GMT special on 18th December on SABC2.

"SABC2 is extremely proud to be involved in the Geraas Music Awards. The GMT's have created a platform for hundreds of new and more established artists to showcase their talents and it is wonderful to see how the Afrikaans music industry has grown since the inception of Geraas," says Aletta Alberts, Acting General Manager of SABC2. "The channel has been, and will remain committed to the promotion of the Afrikaans music industry and we look forward to seeing standards continuing to improve and even more talented artists emerging."

Entries close on Friday 19th September. Entry options include:

FULL LIST OF PREVIOUS GMT WINNERS:

1. Beste Afrikaanse Album: Op 'n Klein Blou Ghoen - Amanda Strydom
2. Beste Kontemporêre Album: Op 'n Klein Blou Ghoen - Amanda Strydom
3. Beste Jazz Album: Playola- Paul Hamner
4. Beste Rock Album: Poles Apart - Karen Zoid
5. Beste Esoteriese Album: Mondmusiek - Breyten Breytenbach & Ander
6. Beste Humoristiese Album: Snykant / Cutts - Cutt Glas
7. Beste Duo of Groep: Huistoe - Beeskraal
8. Beste Pop Album: Die Ander Kant - Johannes Kerkorrel
9. Beste Boeremusiek Album: Hier't Jou Lekker Ding - Brian Nieuwoudt
10. Beste Afrikana Album: Liedjies van Lief en Leed Deel 2 - Verskeie Kunstenaars
11. Beste Gospel Album: Reana - Reana
12. Beste Crossover Album: Beste van Bos - Stef Bos
13. Beste Liedjieskrywer: Mel Botes
14. Beste Nuweling: Poles Apart - Karen Zoid; Reana - Reana
15. Beste Verwerker: Johannes Kerkorrel - Die Ander Kant
16. Beste Klankingenieur: Didi Kriel & Derrick Louw - Slegs Glas / Glass Only - Cutt Glas
17. Beste Vervaardiger van 'n Afrikaanse Album: Anton Goosen & Albert du Plessis - Om Te Breyten
18. Vuurdoop Toekenning: Mel Botes
19. Lewenslange Bydrae tot Afrikaanse Musiek: Anton Goosen
20. Beste Suid Afrikaanse Musiekgebeurtenis: Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees
21. Liedjie van die Jaar: Skarumba - Juanita du Plessis
22. Beste Live Optrede: Theuns Jordaan
23. Beste Afrikaanse Verkoper: Ek en Jy - Juanita du Plessis
24. Beste Koor Album: Kyrie - Die Potchefstroomse Universiteitskoor
25. Beste Klassieke Album: Air - Melane Hofmeyr-Burger
26. Beste Alternatiewe Album: 'n Pleister vir my Nerwe - Riku Latti